In his much-anticipated debut with the Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins appeared to be less than his usual self, in a disappointing 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The star quarterback, who recently signed a lucrative $180 million contract with the Falcons, seemed to be struggling on the field, prompting questions about his health.
Despite his lackluster performance, coach Raheem Morris was quick to defend Cousins, stating that the quarterback was in fact healthy. “I feel like Kirk is healthy,” Morris declared on Monday, emphasizing that Cousins had been in good shape since his return to the field.
Cousins had missed significant playing time due to an Achilles injury he sustained while playing for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 of the 2023 season. However, this did not deter the Falcons from investing heavily in the quarterback, offering him a multi-million dollar contract with substantial guarantees.
During Sunday’s game, it was evident that Cousins was struggling to move effectively on the field. He appeared to be immobile, having difficulty escaping the pocket and lacking the ability to fully utilize his plant leg. His performance reflected these challenges, as he completed only 16 of 26 passes for a mere 155 yards – the second-lowest in a season opener in his career. To make matters worse, Cousins threw two interceptions, resulting in a dismal 59.0 passer rating.
Morris acknowledged that some of Cousins’ struggles could be attributed to “some rust” from his extended time off the field. The quarterback’s lack of mobility and precision were clear indicators that he was still working to regain his form after his injury.
Despite the setback in his debut game, Cousins remains optimistic about his future with the Falcons. With Morris’s support and a determination to overcome his challenges, the quarterback is focused on improving his performance and leading his team to success in the games to come.
