Kirk Cousins steps in as Falcons’ quarterback: Can he turn the tide for Atlanta?
The Atlanta Falcons are navigating a crucial juncture in their season, with Kirk Cousins taking the helm as quarterback. Following a devastating injury to Michael Penix Jr., who will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL, the Falcons have no choice but to pivot. Currently sitting at 4-8 with just five games left on the schedule, the team finds itself in a precarious position. To avoid an eighth consecutive losing season, a clean sweep is essential.
Searching for Stability
Inconsistency has plagued the Falcons’ offense throughout the season, and now more than ever, Cousins is tasked with stabilizing a ship that has been rocking through turbulent waters. Head coach Raheem Morris expressed optimism about the quarterback’s return, noting the importance of acclimating Cousins back into the starting role.
“Getting him back out there and making him comfortable was the first step,” Morris stated. “I think that happened with a nice win out in New Orleans, and this week, we aim to get him comfortable in the things that we are going to do.”
Cousins’ first game back showcased a mixture of promise and struggle. In their recent matchup against the Jets, the Falcons experienced a glimpse of success, particularly in the second half, where Cousins threw for 148 yards. However, the team ultimately fell short, raising questions about their ability to maintain momentum.
Measuring Progress
Statistically, Cousins has displayed improvement from week to week. His performance against the Saints was lackluster, yielding a -0.21 expected points added (EPA) per play, marking it as one of his poorest outings of the season. However, in the game against the Jets, that figure rebounded to +0.08, representing a notable uplift. While these numbers may not be earth-shattering, they indicate a gradual ascent.
Cousins himself remains cautious about proclaiming any significant transformations within the offense, attributing the variability to the small sample size of games. “I think it’s so week to week as to how we need to attack the defense,” he remarked. “With such a small sample size of only two games, I don’t know that it felt more like this is the best way to attack the Jets, this is the best way to attack the Saints. So, you kind of look at it that way.”
Challenges Ahead
As the Falcons prepare for their next challenge against the Seattle Seahawks, Cousins faces the need for increased effectiveness on downfield throws. In his previous outing, he completed 20 of 24 passes for 215 yards, primarily on short throws, but struggled mightily with deeper attempts, connecting on just 1 of 7 for a mere 19 yards.
The Seahawks’ defense presents a formidable challenge, boasting the league’s lowest passer rating against downfield passes at 49.4, having intercepted 11 such attempts this season—the second-highest in the NFL. This context may force the Falcons to lean heavily on their short passing game, but they must be cautious not to fall behind on the scoreboard, which would compel them to abandon their strategy.
“Kirk’s playing good ball,” said offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. “I think all of us collectively have played some good football, but the results aren’t there—we’re not winning games, and that’s all that matters.”
Looking Ahead
As the Falcons gear up for their Week 14 clash against the 9-3 Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the stakes have never been higher. The continued growth and adaptation of Cousins will be pivotal, not just for their immediate aspirations, but for the broader narrative of the Falcons’ season. With everything on the line, the pressure mounts for Cousins to deliver and potentially reshape the future of this franchise.
