All eyes are on the quarterback position every week. But in primetime games, the quarterback’s performance becomes more magnified.
The Atlanta Falcons will play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 on ‘Monday Night Football.’ Under center for Atlanta will be Kirk Cousins, who signed a massive four-year contract with Atlanta in the offseason. He suffered an Achilles injury last October, cutting his 2023 season short in Minnesota.
After not playing with his new team throughout the preseason, Cousins played poorly in the Falcons Week 1, 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The lack of chemistry and timing issues with his receivers and offensive line were on display. It was his first game action since the injury, and he struggled: Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for just 155 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.
Things won’t be easy in primetime on Monday night in Philadelphia. The Eagles are coming into Monday night off an impressive 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Eagles cornerback Darius Slay will likely shadow London on the outside and give the Falcons passing game issues.
Kirk Cousins primetime record
Kirk Cousins’ primetime record entering ‘Monday Night Football’ is 12-20 overall. The narrative around Cousins can change if he can win games on the national stage against the better teams in the NFL, like the Eagles in Week 2.
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The last time we saw Cousins play on Monday Night Football was in Week 7 last season, where he led Minnesota to an impressive 22-17 win over the 49ers.
However, we also watched Cousins play in Philadelphia in primetime Week 2 last season on ‘Thursday Night Football.’ The Vikings lost 34-28 despite Cousins’ terrific statistical night (31 completions on 44 attempts, 364 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT). This will be the third consecutive season Cousins will play on the road in Philadelphia in primetime in Week 2. In 2022, he lost 24-7 in this spot.
The Falcons shocked the world when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, just months after signing Cousins. Many NFL fans and media members will wonder when or if Atlanta would bench Cousins in favor of the rookie first-rounder, especially if Cousins struggles in primetime on the national stage.
Cousins’ record on Monday Night Football is 3-10, and the Falcons are 6.5-point underdogs, according to BetMGM.
Kirk Cousins contract
The Falcons quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. His contract with Atlanta includes a no-trade clause.
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