The Atlanta Falcons had high hopes after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason. They believed he would be the missing piece in the franchise’s quest for relevance in the National Football Conference.
At first, Cousins looked like a great bargain, leading the Falcons to a 5-3 record. Unfortunately, his fortunes turned around in their last four games. As Bleacher Report tweeted, the former Michigan State standout had zero touchdown passes and eight interceptions during the four-game losing streak. Before the slump, he had 17 TDs and seven interceptions and went four games without throwing a pick.
His worst game during the losing streak came in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Cousins had four interceptions in a game they could have won, along with 29 completions and 245 passing yards.
Kirk Cousins last 4 games...
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2024
0 TD
8 INT
Falcons are 0-4 pic.twitter.com/15AXDqM5iD
A week later, he had two picks against the Minnesota Vikings. These setbacks worsened his touchdown-to-interception ratio (17 TDs, 15 INTs) and intensified the calls for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to start on Cousins’ behalf.
While this skid led the Falcons to a 6-7 mark, they are still in playoff contention. Atlanta is only one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South title. However, Cousins and the Falcons must turn the tide to win the division and host a Wild Card Round game. The Falcons can get back on track starting in a Week 15 road game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
-Lance Fernandez