Quarterback Kirk Cousins Faces Crucial Test Against Eagles on Monday Night Football

The quarterback position often garners the most attention in NFL match-ups, and this is particularly true for primetime games. In Week 2, the Atlanta Falcons will face the Philadelphia Eagles on “Monday Night Football.” Under center for the Falcons is Kirk Cousins, who signed an extensive four-year contract with the team during the off-season. Cousins experienced a setback last October due to an Achilles injury while playing for the Minnesota Vikings, leaving his 2023 season incomplete.

Having missed the preseason games with his new team, Cousins displayed struggles in his return to action. In the Falcons’ season opener, the lack of chemistry with his new teammates was noticeable, as he completed only 16 of 26 passes for a total of 155 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. As Cousins faces the Eagles, who are coming off a solid 34-29 win from Week 1, he will have a challenging task ahead. Eagles cornerback Darius Slay is expected to closely guard the Falcons’ receivers, complicating the passing game for Cousins.

Historically, Cousins has faced difficulties under the spotlight of “Monday Night Football,” holding a career record of 3-10 in such games. His ability to change this record is crucial, as performing well against competitive teams like the Eagles can transform the perception around him.

In past instances, Cousins has demonstrated remarkable skill in Monday night games, notably leading the Vikings to victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7 of the previous season. However, when playing in Philadelphia in Week 2 last year on “Thursday Night Football,” despite an excellent individual performance, the Vikings succumbed to defeat.

This season, questions arise concerning Cousins’ role with the Falcons, given the team’s decision to draft a highly touted quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fans and analysts alike are curious about when—or if—Atlanta might transition to the rookie, especially if Cousins faces continued challenges in primetime games and maintains his position as the starting quarterback. As it stands, the Falcons are considered 6.5-point underdogs in this match-up, according to betting predictions.