After parting ways with the Minnesota Vikings, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has secured his future with a new four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Cousins, who is 36 years old, recently accomplished a notable comeback from a significant injury, recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in October.
Despite his recent recovery, Cousins reassured fans and teammates about his physical condition. "The Achilles feels good," Cousins remarked. "I feel like I can move and push as I normally would." He reiterated, "I feel good. The Achilles feels good."
However, Cousins' first game with the Falcons didn't go as planned. Facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Falcons struggled, and the veteran quarterback faced noticeable challenges. Cousins completed 16 of his 26 passes, totaling 155 yards. He managed to throw one touchdown, but also had two interceptions. Adding to the pressure, Cousins was sacked twice during the game. Ultimately, the Falcons couldn't muster enough to overcome the Steelers and fell with a final score of 18-10.
The Falcons' offseason moves have generated significant buzz, especially with the signing of Cousins just about a month after drafting Michael Penix Jr., the promising Washington quarterback, with their No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The mix of an experienced veteran and a talented rookie is creating discussions about the Falcons' strategy for the upcoming season and beyond.
Looking ahead, the Falcons will face the Philadelphia Eagles in their next game. For Cousins and the team, it will be a crucial opportunity to rebound from the tough loss against the Steelers and demonstrate their capacity to integrate new elements into their gameplay effectively. The outcome of this upcoming test will shed more light on whether the Falcons can harness the potential of both Cousins and Penix Jr. as they navigate this season with high aspirations.
Despite the unfortunate loss in his first game, Cousins remains optimistic about his return to the field and the Falcons' potential. "The Achilles feels good. I feel like I can move and push as I normally would," Cousins consistently stated, emphasizing that his recent injury will not serve as an excuse for any on-field shortcomings. The veteran’s resolve will be critical in the Falcons’ pursuit of success this season.