In a season filled with twists and turns, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the NFC South. And their latest victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can be largely attributed to one man: quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Cousins’ Passionate Plea
It all started with a heartfelt speech. According to sources close to the team, Cousins approached head coach Raheem Morris last Tuesday, requesting an opportunity to address the entire squad. Morris obliged, and on Friday, Cousins delivered a message that resonated deeply with his teammates.
“This league beats you up and it tests you every day and it just kicks you down and you’ve got to get back up. And sometimes I need to encourage myself. And when I was encouraging myself, I thought, ‘You know what? Maybe somebody else could use this, too.'”
Kirk Cousins on his motivational speech
Safety Jessie Bates III confirmed the impact of Cousins’ words, noting that they played a significant role in the team’s inspired performance against their division rival.
Dominating the Division
The Falcons’ 31-26 triumph over the Buccaneers on Sunday marked their second victory against Tampa Bay this season, solidifying their position atop the NFC South with an impressive 4-0 divisional record. Cousins was the driving force behind the win, completing 23 of 29 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
Cousins’ mastery over the Buccaneers’ defense was evident, as he joined an elite group of quarterbacks who have amassed 750 passing yards and eight touchdowns against a single opponent in a season. The list includes legendary names such as Dan Marino, Joe Montana, and Y.A. Tittle.
Spreading the Wealth
Cousins displayed his ability to distribute the ball effectively, connecting with tight end Kyle Pitts for two scores, while also finding wide receiver Darnell Mooney and rookie sensation Bijan Robinson for one touchdown each. This marked the first time a Falcons quarterback had thrown for three touchdowns in a first half since Matt Ryan accomplished the feat in 2020.
Courage and Comebacks
Sunday’s game held extra significance for Cousins, as it marked the one-year anniversary of his devastating Achilles tear, which occurred during Week 8 of the 2023 season when he was still with the Minnesota Vikings. The injury cast doubts on his future, but the Falcons took a chance on him, signing the veteran signal-caller to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason.
Cousins’ determination to prove his doubters wrong was on full display against the Buccaneers. In a surprising move, he even showcased his mobility, scrambling for a crucial 13-yard gain in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. Coach Morris couldn’t contain his excitement, joking that Cousins “looked like Patrick Mahomes out there.”
Celebrating in Style
The Falcons’ locker room was a scene of jubilation following the win, with Cousins reportedly dancing to the music and embodying the team’s road game motto, inspired by a lyric from Atlanta rapper Bankroll Fresh: “Walk in your trap and take over your trap.”
“We’re enjoying winning and we had the music playing, and I was just going to soak in that for a minute. And it was kind of celebrating with the guys. … It was about going on the road and going into someone’s trap and then take over the trap.”
Kirk Cousins on the team’s celebration
As the Falcons continue to soar in the NFC South, it’s clear that Kirk Cousins’ leadership and perseverance have been instrumental in their success. With a rejuvenated quarterback at the helm and a team rallying around his inspirational words, Atlanta appears poised to make a deep playoff run. The road ahead may be challenging, but for now, the Falcons are content to revel in their hard-fought victory and the camaraderie that fueled it.
