Richard DeanUpdated on: October 12, 2024 7:49 am GMT
In a surprising turn of events, the Atlanta Falcons fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 18-10 in their season opener, marked by the lackluster performance of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Despite assurances from head coach Raheem Morris that Cousins is fully healthy after recovering from an Achilles injury, many fans are questioning the quarterback’s readiness and the team’s game plan.
Kirk Cousins Struggles in Falcons Debut
Kirk Cousins, who signed a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, faced significant challenges in his first game after being sidelined due to injury. Throughout the match, Cousins displayed limited mobility and was unable to escape pressure from a formidable Steelers defense, led by T.J. Watt.
- Stats Highlight: Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for a mere 155 yards, marking one of the lowest outputs in a season opener for him. He threw one touchdown and two interceptions, leading to a disappointing passer rating of 59.0.
Coach’s Take on Cousins’ Health
Morris defended Cousins in the wake of criticism, insisting that the quarterback was not hindered during the match. “I feel like Kirk is healthy,” he stated, referring to his condition since joining the team. “[He’s] been healthy since he’s been back.” However, many observers noted that Cousins seemed to be laboring on some throws and exhibited difficulty pushing off his back leg, leading to speculation about his true fitness level.
Moreover, the Falcons’ offensive strategy did not appear to leverage Cousins’ skills effectively. The quarterback took only one snap from under center, with the majority of the plays called from the pistol formation.
Mixed Signals from the Game Plan
The Falcons’ decision to abandon play-action passes, usually a hallmark of their offensive system under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Morris commented on the strategy, saying, “Everything is going to be situational to the game plan for who you’re playing against.”
Despite Morris’s claims, the absence of conventional strategies, like play-action, suggests uncertainty about how to best utilize Cousins’ capabilities. His average of just 3.1 scramble yards per dropback indicates a lack of mobility relative to his performance over the last nine seasons, further supporting concerns about how the injury has impacted his game.
Looking Ahead: An Uncertain Future
As the season progresses, the pressure will mount on Cousins and the coaching staff to improve offensive production. Fans are also keeping an eye on first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr., who is waiting for an opportunity, should Cousins continue to struggle.
- Cousins’ Performance:
- 16 completions on 26 attempts
- 155 passing yards
- 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
- 59.0 passer rating
- Status of the Offensive Strategy:
- Only 1 snap taken under center
- 0 play-action passes attempted
- 3.1 average scramble yards per dropback
Injuries Affecting Other Teams
The Falcons were not the only team experiencing setbacks in their season opener. Several other notable injuries around the NFL may affect team performances moving forward.
- A.J. Brown, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is sidelined for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury.
- Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers will also miss time due to a calf strain.
- The Los Angeles Rams’ standout Cooper Kupp will be out for an extended period due to an ankle injury.
Additionally, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel noted that there is “not enough information” to decide on placing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve following his concussion concerns.
The Panthers Make a Change
In a bold move, the Carolina Panthers have benched rookie quarterback Bryce Young following an 0-2 start to the season, indicating that struggles in quarterback performance are a league-wide issue.
With critical games coming up, the pressure will be on teams to adjust strategies and get healthy quickly. The Falcons, with Cousins at the helm, hope to knock off the rust and demonstrate the offensive potency they anticipated when signing the veteran.
Conclusion
As the Falcons keep playing this season, everyone is watching Cousins to see how he heals and plays. There are many questions about the team’s choices and the chance for changes in the lineup, especially with Michael Penix Jr. on the team. The next few weeks will be very important for both him and the Falcons. They need to bounce back from a rough start, and it will be crucial for them to find a good mix of strategy and keeping their players healthy to succeed in this tough league.
