New QB, Same Ol’ Falcons

All offseason there was talk about the Atlanta Falcons and the many moves they had made - the biggest being acquiring Kirk Cousins.

Before injuring his Achilles, Cousins was on pace to have a pro bowl season with the Vikings last year. It seemed like just what the Falcons needed.

For context, the Falcons QBs threw 17 touchdowns passes all of last year. Cousins himself threw 18 touchdowns - while missing over half of the season.

On Sunday though, Cousins gave Falcons fans flashbacks of the terrible quarterback play they got last year from Ridder and Heinicke.

In the second half of yesterday’s game, Cousins went 3-8 and had 19 yards with an interception and fumble to go with it. The Falcons didn’t score a single point.

Cousins would have ended up with three interceptions if not for one being dropped in the first quarter.

To Cousins defense, the offensive line did a terrible job as well. T.J. Watt made himself at home in the Atlanta backfield.

This does not excuse the errant throws that Cousins made time and time again while under duress. The Falcons overpaid Cousins this offseason to play like the veteran quarterback he is.

If the Falcons wanted rookie mistakes to be made, they could have simply put in their rookie Quarterback they picked eighth overall in the draft.

Next up for the Falcons are two tough opponents in the Eagles and Chiefs. Atlanta could easily find themselves 0-3 to start the season if they play how they did Sunday.

With a new coaching staff, added pro bowlers on defense, and a new veteran QB, the Falcons were looking to put the Arthur Smith years in the past.

Yet here we are, talking about the same issues that have plagued the Falcons for years. Let’s see if the Falcons can make this a one off.