Miami Dolphins Prepare for Kirk Cousins Showdown Amid Lamar Jackson’s Anticipated Return
The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial stretch, facing two opponents in just five days. As they prepare for these matchups, recent developments have shed light on the quarterback situation for both the Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens, setting the stage for an intriguing series of games.
Quarterback Changes on the Horizon
In the lead-up to the Dolphins’ next two games, clarity has emerged regarding the quarterbacks they’ll face. The first challenge comes from the Atlanta Falcons, who are likely to start veteran Kirk Cousins against Miami. This news follows the injury to starter Michael Penix Jr., who is expected to miss time due to a knee bone bruise sustained during the Falcons’ Week 7 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers.
Also affecting the Dolphins’ schedule is the Baltimore Ravens’ decision to officially rule out Lamar Jackson for their upcoming game against the Chicago Bears. Jackson, who is recovering from injury, is anticipated to return just in time to face the Dolphins on Thursday night. With Jackson sidelined, the Ravens will turn to Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, a player who previously started five games for the Dolphins last season.
Cousins’ First Start of the Season
If Cousins takes the field against Miami, it will mark his first start of the season. Although he appeared briefly during Atlanta’s lopsided loss to the Carolina Panthers earlier this year, Cousins has been on the sidelines since. In 2024, he started 14 games for the Falcons, finishing with a 7-7 record and a passer rating of 88.6—the lowest of his career since 2014. Despite his $40 million cap hit, the Falcons opted to hand the reins to Penix towards the end of last season, a decision that has now opened the door for Cousins.
The Dolphins have a history with Cousins, having faced him three times in the past—twice during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings and once while he was with Washington. Their most recent encounter came in 2022, where Cousins showcased his skill by completing 20 of 30 passes for 175 yards, tossing two touchdowns without an interception, and earning a passer rating of 104.2.
Similar Styles, Different Challenges
Both Cousins and Penix are known as pocket passers, suggesting that the Dolphins may not need to make significant defensive adjustments regardless of who starts. However, Cousins’ lack of recent game action presents an element of uncertainty for Miami. As the Dolphins prepare for these back-to-back matchups, the dynamics between veteran quarterbacks and their respective teams will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes.
With the Dolphins facing a critical moment in their season, the stage is set for an exciting showdown against Cousins and a subsequent clash with Jackson, potentially reigniting the Dolphins’ defensive strategies as they navigate this demanding schedule.
