Falcons and Cousins Face Challenging Stretch in NFL Season
The Atlanta Falcons are navigating a turbulent season, struggling for form and victories as they hit a crucial stretch. With a sequence of four games without a win, they've been unable to string together the performances needed to shift momentum in their favor. This period has seen their offense sputter, scoring an average of just 14.25 points per game, a troubling statistic that speaks volumes about their current inefficiencies on that side of the ball.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Falcons’ defense has had moments of solidity. During crucial stretches between Weeks 11 and 13, Atlanta’s defense ranked eighth in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play during non-garbage-time moments. This reflects a unit capable of holding its own but needs supplementary support from an underperforming offense.
Kirk Cousins' Struggles Continue
Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins, who joined with a blockbuster $100 million fully guaranteed contract in March, finds himself in a different kind of difficulty. The last four games have been particularly challenging for the quarterback. Cousins has thrown eight interceptions with no touchdowns, a sequence of performances that have been far from the expectations set by his lucrative deal.
In the fourth quarter, a critical time for any seasoned quarterback to shine, Cousins has produced troubling numbers. His passer rating sits at just 56, with a dismal tally of eight interceptions to only two touchdowns during this period. His completion rate in these crucial moments stands at 61.2%, with a modest 6.20 yards per attempt, highlighting a need for improvement as games hang in the balance.
Tight Contests for Atlanta
Atlanta's season has been marked by tight encounters. Nine out of their 13 games have been within a single score entering the final quarter, indicating they have often been competitive but haven’t managed to turn the tables significantly enough to secure wins. As they continue into the latter part of their schedule, decisions and performances in these fine margins may determine their fate.
Kirk Cousins does have historical reasons for optimism. His record against Atlanta shows a 67% completion rate with 7.8 yards per attempt, statistics that could be a source of confidence despite the current woes. Comparatively, during his stint in Minnesota, Cousins recorded a nearly identical 67.8% completion rate with a 7.6-yard average, reinforcing a proven ability to produce at a higher level.
The Road Ahead
As they stand a game behind the 7-6 Buccaneers, the Falcons’ remaining schedule includes matchups against teams like the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. Each game offers an opportunity—and a challenge—for Atlanta to claw back into contention. Crucially, early draft picks like Michael Penix Jr., selected eighth overall last April, will need to show why they were so highly touted as the franchise looks to future prospects.
The road has certainly been bumpy for both the Falcons and Kirk Cousins. As the season progresses, the ability of both to overcome current difficulties will be crucial in determining how this chapter unfolds. The focus will remain on translating defensive resilience into overall team success and harnessing Kirk Cousins' previous experience and skill to return to former glory. The upcoming games will act as both a test and a potential turning point for the under-fire NFC South team and their high-profile quarterback. It remains to be seen whether the Falcons can soar or if they’ll be grounded by the challenges that have thus far defined their season.