ATLANTA — Kirk Cousins is taking command of the NFC South, especially when facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In a thrilling matchup on Sunday, Cousins delivered an impressive performance, throwing four touchdown passes without any interceptions and achieving a remarkable completion rate of 79.3% by connecting on 23 out of 29 attempts for 276 yards. This victory, a close 31-26 win in Tampa Bay, follows another standout game earlier this month in which Cousins set a team record with 509 passing yards, alongside four touchdowns and one interception, resulting in a 36-30 overtime victory over the Buccaneers.
In total, Cousins has accumulated eight touchdown passes and only one interception over these two successful outings against Tampa Bay. When he’s faced other teams this season, he has recorded just six touchdown passes but has also thrown six interceptions. Notably, he achieved more than one touchdown pass in only one other game, a narrow 22-21 win at Philadelphia earlier this season.
Adding to his remarkable display, Cousins showcased his mobility by running for a surprising 13 yards on one play and converting a crucial fourth-and-1 by keeping the ball himself. This was particularly surprising given that the 36-year-old quarterback, recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, had not run for more than 1 yard in his previous seven games.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris praised Cousins’ performance, likening it to the extraordinary play of Patrick Mahomes. Cousins, however, humbly downplayed the comparison, urging caution.
With this latest victory, the Falcons (5-3) have seized sole possession of first place in the NFC South, maintaining an undefeated record of 4-0 against division rivals while holding the tiebreaker over Tampa Bay. Cousins may have drawn mixed feelings from fantasy football managers, but his consistent performance has provided the stability Atlanta sought with his four-year, $180 million deal, which includes $100 million guaranteed.
The Falcons, eager to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017, were searching for lasting stability at the quarterback position, and Cousins has seemingly put them on the right track.
Atlanta’s defense also made significant contributions, led by safety Jessie Bates III, who secured a forced fumble, a recovery, and an interception. Bates’ forced fumble on a play against running back Rachaad White allowed Cousins to connect with tight end Kyle Pitts for his first touchdown pass. Bates’ impressive season includes three forced fumbles and two interceptions. Additionally, cornerback A.J. Terrell added an interception against quarterback Baker Mayfield.
While the Falcons’ defense shone, special teams faced challenges, as kicker Younghoe Koo missed a 39-yard field goal and has made just one of his last three attempts.
In terms of standout performances, Kyle Pitts had his first career game with multiple touchdown catches, hauling in touchdown receptions of 36 and 49 yards. Overall, he recorded four catches for 91 yards and has reached at least 65 receiving yards in four straight games, matching his career-high with three touchdown receptions for the season. Despite fortunate calls going his way, Pitts learned not to become complacent after a close call where he was stripped of the ball near the goal line.
On a less positive note, Tyler Allgeier struggled despite receiving 12 carries, rushing for only 33 yards and losing a handoff that led to a safety, with Cousins receiving the fumble charge.
Injury updates noted that right guard Chris Lindstrom left the game in the fourth quarter but was cleared to return; however, it was decided not to put him back into play at that point. Rookie defensive end Ruke Orhorhoro was ruled out with an ankle issue.
A key statistic from the game highlighted that Cousins is the first quarterback in Atlanta’s history to throw eight touchdown passes against a single opponent within a season.
Looking ahead, the Falcons are set to return to their home field to take on the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. The Cowboys fell to 3-4 following a 30-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday night’s game.