Kirk Cousins really bad Falcons debut and career-long struggles in primetime football games

Kirk Cousins showed Atlanta Falcons fans what $180 million cash gets you in the NFL by putting up a complete dud in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kirk Cousins, who signed a massive four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, struggled big time against the Steelers in Week 1. He threw two ugly picks and only notched 155 yards through the air. While the majority of teams looked sloppy in Week 1, the chemistry in the Falcons passing game just wasn’t there yet.

Cousins also failed to get tight end Kyle Pitts and wideout Drake London involved. Pitts finished with just 26 yards, and London? Barely a blip, catching two passes for 15 yards. If Cousins can’t turn it around, it’s going to be a long season for Atlanta.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris didn’t sugarcoat Kirk Cousins’ performance: “We didn’t play winning football on offense,” Morris said. “Two interceptions, bad decisions in the passing game—that’s not good enough.”

Granted, Cousins is also still shaking off the rust after his Achilles injury. That showed in Week 1 against Pittsburgh. He was under center just once and failed to throw a pass down the field – with not a single throw over 20 yards. Cousins had a miserable passer rating of 59 (7th worst) and the absolute worst 15.4% turnover worthy throw rate.

Kirk Cousins Dropback Week 1 vs Steelers

every Kirk Cousins dropback end zone view

what do you notice pic.twitter.com/RllUesBU7F

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 9, 2024

To answer Warren Sharp’s question. I noticed a few things:

• Zero chemistry with his receivers.
• Cousins isn’t driving the football in his throwing motion.
• Kirk is throwing off his front foot, avoiding pressure on his repaired Achilles
• No drop back at all, really. Kirk Cousins = Very uncomfortable.

I’m sure he’s better than what everyone witnessed against the Steelers but I highly doubt that version of him is good enough to enter the always-hostile Lincoln Financial Field on Monday Night Football and beat the Eagles in their home opener.

Monday Night in South Philly will mark the third straight year that Kirk Cousins plays on the road, at The Linc, against the Eagles in a primetime football game – something he can’t be too confident about given his history playing under the bright lights of a nationally televised game.

Kirk Cousins during Primetime NFL Football:

Donald Trump at rally waving hands: "no! get those lights off! Off! Turn them off! They're too bright, turn them off!" pic.twitter.com/n4uKqi3Ttj

— find a reaction (@findareaction) October 14, 2022

It’s almost like whoever makes the NFL schedule has a personal vendetta against Cousins, right? Not that I’m complaining. Monday Night Football as a whole, refuses to be Kirk Cousins’ night—his 3-10 record in primetime speaks for itself.

One of those losses came against the Eagles last year.

Primetime Kirk Cousins in full effect tonight 😅 @brgridiron

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/akaeXeQ9mG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 20, 2022

There’s absolutely zero shot that the Eagles lose this game but hey, a home opener is always fun so get down to The Linc early and enjoy it. Go Birds.

All Things Philadelphia Eagles Week 2 >>

Join The Chase