Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has been solid in most areas throughout his NFL career and will look to show what he can do in his first year as the team’s starting QB in 2024.
Cousins previously saw action for the Minnesota Vikings, suffering a season-ending injury after he had led the Vikings to a 4-4 overall record. He also posted the highest Pro Football Focus grade in his career at 86.1.
One thing he did better than any other quarterback in the league last season, though, was throwing crossing routes. According to PFF, Cousins connected on 72.7 percent of his crossing route pass attempts for 391 yards and six touchdowns.
How he potentially replicates that success will be something to watch as Cousins prepares to start for the third team of his NFL career. There’s no question he’s one of the biggest attractions for the Falcons heading into the season, and there’s plenty of excitement surrounding what he can do even with the injury he suffered.
“It’s hard to say that you’re worried about Kirk getting hit (considering) his 13-year career,” head coach Raheem Morris said earlier this offseason.
“I mean the guy’s done it a bunch. But definitely there’s always some stuff with injury. Guys in this game are built for that. That’s why they’re a different breed, different animal, different type of guys that go out there and play this game, and he’s definitely one of those. I’ve known Kirk from 2012 as a very young, tough guy ready to stand in there and take a hit at any time, and I don’t think that’s one of the things that requires to be practiced when you’re a quarterback. I got a lot of respect for that guy and his toughness.”
The Falcons are set to open the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday in Atlanta.
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