The Atlanta Falcons’ acquisition of Kirk Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings on a considerable four-year, $180 million contract has been a subject of appreciable dialogue this offseason.
Whereas Cousins has confirmed himself as a top-tier quarterback lately, the deal does carry sure dangers.
At 36 years previous and recovering from a torn Achilles suffered final October, Cousins’ skill to carry out at his peak is beneath scrutiny.
His debut efficiency for the Falcons in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers raised some issues, as he displayed noticeable stiffness on the sphere.
ESPN’s Troy Aikman lately supplied an insightful replace for Falcons supporters.
Previous to Atlanta’s Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, Aikman reported that Cousins admitted, “he’s not 100%, but yet he feels that he’s 100% in the pocket.”
“I know in talking with Kirk (Cousins), he says that he’s not 100%, but yet he feels that he’s 100% in the pocket.” – Troy Aikman 🏈🎙️ #MNF #NFL
(h/t: @projectjax) pic.twitter.com/1yDQsvnmS9
— Terrible Saying (@awfulannouncing) September 17, 2024
This implies that whereas Cousins will not be at full bodily capability, he maintains confidence in his skill to execute from the pocket.
Furthermore, within the 18-10 loss, Cousins accomplished 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, throwing one landing and two interceptions, whereas additionally being sacked twice.
Regardless of these challenges, Cousins remained optimistic and guaranteed the reporters that his Achilles felt “good” and that it wasn’t an element within the season-opening defeat.
It’s comprehensible that the Falcons didn’t signal Cousins anticipating him to be a cellular quarterback.
Nevertheless, they do want improved mobility, notably for play-action and rolling out of the pocket.
The timeline for Cousins to really feel totally snug outdoors the pocket stays unsure, doubtlessly reigniting discussions about Atlanta’s choice to draft Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 choose within the 2024 NFL Draft, shortly after their vital funding in Cousins.
NEXT:
Analyst Reveals Why Kirk Cousins Might Not Be Absolutely Healed
