The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move to boost their offense by signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. Cousins, who recently parted ways with the Minnesota Vikings, now finds himself at the helm of the Falcons' offense at the age of 36.
This high-profile acquisition comes with its share of risks. Cousins has recently recovered from a torn Achilles tendon, an injury he sustained in October. Despite this, Cousins remains optimistic about his physical condition. "The Achilles feels good," Cousins remarked. "I feel like I can move and push as I normally would." He has reiterated this sentiment multiple times, aiming to dispel any doubts regarding his recovery.
In their first test of the season, the Falcons faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Cousins showed flashes of his old self, the game did not go as hoped. Completing 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, Cousins managed to throw one touchdown but also had two interceptions. He was sacked twice during the match, underscoring some of the challenges he and the Falcons' offensive line will need to address moving forward. The Falcons eventually fell to the Steelers with a score of 18-10.
The Falcons' investment in Cousins is part of a broader strategy to solidify their quarterback position. Just a month before signing Cousins, Atlanta used their No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. This move indicates that the franchise is looking for both immediate impact and a long-term solution under center.
Looking ahead, the Falcons are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles next. As the team continues to integrate Cousins and Penix Jr. into their system, this next game will be a crucial opportunity to assess their progress and make necessary adjustments. While Cousins's debut with the Falcons did not yield a victory, his confidence in his healed Achilles tendon and his ability to perform at a high level remains evident. "I feel good. The Achilles feels good," he reiterated, brushing aside any notion that the injury could serve as an excuse for the team's performance.
The Falcons' coaching staff and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Cousins adapts to his new team and how quickly he can find his rhythm. The upcoming game against the Eagles will be pivotal, not just for Cousins but for the entire Falcons squad as they seek to rebound from their opening loss and build momentum for the season.