Falcons' Kirk Cousins finds his comfort zone and responds with 509 yards in OT win over Bucs

Updated Oct. 4, 2024 3:15 p.m. ET

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ATLANTA (AP) — Kirk Cousins has found his comfort zone in his new Atlanta Falcons offense.

That exciting realization came in the second quarter of Cousins' record-setting 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay on Thursday night. Cousins said he felt more decisive in his passes to such targets as Drake London and Kyle Pitts and realized he could “let it rip.”

The more confident Cousins set a personal and team record by passing for 509 yards and four touchdowns, including a game-winning 45-yard scoring pass to KhaDarel Hodge. The flurry of touchdowns was especially dramatic one week after Atlanta's offense was held out of the end zone in a 26-24 win over New Orleans.

“It was a drive in the second quarter when I threw a couple passes where I was basically anticipating where Kyle was going to be or where Drake was going to be," Cousins said of his new-found comfort zone.

“I was ahead of it a little bit in a good way and threw it decisively. I just haven’t been that decisive the first few weeks. I’ve been trying to ensure that’s where they’re going and ensure that’s what I’m seeing before I let it rip.”

Added Cousins of his ability to better anticipate receivers' routes: "That’s what I was used to kind of having when you play with guys for three, four, five, six years. I can feel it starting to come.”

Falcons coach Raheem Morris remained even-keeled when he described Cousins' night as “OK” and added "We’re just scratching the surface with him.”

If so, that's bad news for the NFC South after the Falcons (3-2) moved into a tie for first place in the division with the Buccaneers.

What’s working

The Falcons took advantage of impressive depth and balance in their passing game. London had game-high totals of 12 catches for 154 yards and scored a touchdown. He had ample support as five players had more than 60 receiving yards and Cousins completed passes to seven targets. With nine catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, Darnell Mooney continues to surpass expectations as a relatively quiet offseason addition from Chicago.

What needs help

Defensive tackle David Onyemata recorded the Falcons' only sack. Through five games, Atlanta ranks last in the league with five sacks.

Stock up

Pitts' 88 yards receiving were a high mark since the tight end's 2021 rookie season. His seven receptions tied for the second-highest total in his four-year career. Before Thursday night, Pitts did not have more than three catches or 59 yards in a game this season.

Stock down

Younghoe Koo made each of his nine field goals in the first four games before encountering some difficulty against the Bucs. Koo had a 54-yard attempt blocked in the fourth quarter after he was wide left on attempts from 46 and 41 yards in the first quarter. The 46-yarder was negated by an offside penalty against the Bucs. Koo made three attempts, including a 52-yarder at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime.

Injuries

The Falcons will have extra time to heal. A player to watch will be CB Dee Alford, who left in the first half with a concussion. Also, the status of LB Troy Andersen will be a key next week. Andersen was the NFC defensive player of the week after leading the team in tackles and scoring a touchdown against the Saints, but he did not play against Tampa Bay due to a knee injury.

Key numbers

250 x 2 — Cousins passed for 253 yards in the first half and 256 in the second half, plus overtime. The Falcons cited research from OptaSTATS that showed Cousins to be the only quarterback in the Super Bowl era to throw for at least 250 yards in each half of a game.

Next steps

Following home wins over New Orleans and Tampa Bay, Atlanta will try to continue its strong start in the division when it visits the Carolina Panthers (1-3) on Oct. 13.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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