Tag: Cousins

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he's Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Falcons owner ready to pay Kirk Cousins millions to ride pine

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With three years remaining on a four-year contract signed 13 months ago, Kirk Cousins is guaranteed nothing in Atlanta in 2025. Well, other than the $27.5 million Falcons owner Arthur Blank owes for the upcoming season under the terms of that pact.

Blank said at the NFL annual meeting in Florida that he understands the situation and peripheral concern around paying a longtime starter more than $2 million per month in 2025 to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. As of his most recent one-on-one meeting with Cousins, Blank maintained that’s precisely what he plans to do.

“I think Kirk will do what he needs to do. He’ll show up when he needs to show up,” Blank said two days after head coach Raheem Morris informally dismissed Cousins from voluntary workouts. “I think he’ll do what his heart and spirit allows him to do. I never see him as being a divisive individual. I don’t think it’s in him to be that way. With certain personalities, you might worry a little bit. I’m not really worried about that.”

Cousins turns 37 in August and, in addition to $100 million in guarantees, the Falcons gave him a no-trade clause to sign who was considered the marquee free agent in the 2024 offseason cycle. But suitors are unlikely to part with assets to pick up Cousins’ albatross contract — unless an injury or unexpected turn of events leads to desperation.

Among the potential landing spots for Cousins are the Minnesota Vikings — as a backup or competitor to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, selected two picks after Penix by the franchise Cousins abandoned in free agency — and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh is changing starting quarterbacks for the third consecutive season, opening the door for Justin Fields (Jets) and Russell Wilson (Giants) to bolt in free agency after both posted winning records for the team last season. The Steelers are on hold for another greybeard free agent, Aaron Rodgers, to decide if he’ll join the team for 2025. Minnesota also kicked the tires on bringing in Rodgers, an option that could be revived.

Blank claims Atlanta’s commitment to Cousins as a No. 2 quarterback, as expensive and rare as the arrangement might be, works for the team for at least another season. He said the Falcons are comfortable paying Cousins a premium rate as insurance behind Penix, who had a significant history of major injuries in college and has only started three games in the NFL.

“When you have a starting quarterback, God forbid, even with all the protection the league affords with rules and equipment, etcetera, players get hurt on occasion. And it could be the quarterback,” Blank said.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kirk Cousins not expected for Falcons’ offseason workouts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kirk Cousins wants to be a starting quarterback, which he made clear in one-on-one meetings with Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, owner Arthur Blank and his head coach.

Raheem Morris said Tuesday the Falcons are still comfortable keeping Cousins as the backup to Michael Penix Jr., but after those meetings the likelihood of Cousins playing in Atlanta remains unlikely at best. There’s even less of a chance Cousins will attend offseason voluntary workouts, Morris said.

“I’m not going to be foolish to think that he’s going to show up for voluntary work,” the coach said Tuesday at the NFL’s annual league meeting. “Right now, we’re dealing with a businesslike mode. … We’re dealing with that type of feel. I don’t think he’ll be there. If he is, we’ll welcome him with open arms. But I’m not going to be foolish enough to make myself get worked up and angry about Kirk Cousins missing voluntary workouts.”

Cousins is not expected to waive his no-trade clause until after the 2025 NFL Draft later this month to avoid finding himself back in the same position he encountered in Atlanta. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract in March 2024, the Falcons surprised the former Washington and Minnesota Vikings starter by drafting Penix with the No. 8 overall pick.

The Falcons started the season 6-3, but a nosedive Cousins told NFL Network coincided with a shoulder injury prompted Morris to turn the offense over to Penix with three games left in the regular season. Penix went 1-2.

That’s the thrust of the conundrum for Cousins — and the Falcons, who are on the hook for $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025 with $10 million more due as a roster bonus in 2026. He turns 37 in mid-August and a team with an opening at the position would need to rewind his 2024 game film to before a dismal five-game stretch in November and December where Cousins had a record of 1-4, was sacked 11 times and threw nine interceptions and one touchdown pass.

Even the most QB-needy teams are not expected to knock on Fontenot’s door and take on Cousins’ deal as comprised. That’s why the GM and Morris have taken a position that they’ll go into the season with Cousins as a backup.

“I do know he would like to try to be a starter at some point,” Morris said. “That’s definitely been clearly communicated with me and whoever else he had an opportunity to talk to. I do know that. The way about that, I’m not sure. But we have to figure those things out. We have to get to that process.”

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff walks off the field after losing to the Washington Commanders 45-31 in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs at Ford Field in Detroit, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Netflix bringing back ‘Quarterback’ for Season 2

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff will star in the second season of the Netflix series “Quarterback.”

On Wednesday, Netflix released the first trailer for the new season, which will stream in July.

The series will follow the three quarterbacks through the 2024 season — a campaign that had twists, turns and heartbreak for each.

Burrow led his team to five consecutive wins to end the season, falling just short of the postseason. He rallied the Bengals to a 9-8 finish after a 1-4 start and seven losses that came by one touchdown or less.

Cousins, in his first season with the Atlanta Falcons after signing a four-year, $180 million contract, was benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. after 14 starts.

Goff quarterbacked the Detroit Lions to a 15-2 season, only to see it come to a stunning end in the NFC divisional round with a 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders.

The first season of “Quarterback” featured Cousins, Patrick Mahomes and Marcus Mariota.

In 2024, Netflix shifted gears to “Receiver,” which followed the 2023 seasons of Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) gets sacked by C.J. Brewer (95)in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins claims ankle, arm injuries impacted 2024

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Before his 37th birthday in August, Kirk Cousins said his greatest wish is full health.

“I’m no good to the Falcons, I’m no good to a team if I’m not feeling really good,” Cousins told NFL Network on Tuesday. “That’s really where my focus has been through January and February now that the season has wound down, really taking all the time I can to get my body feeling really good.”

In his return from a torn Achilles and debut season with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins said arm injuries were a detriment and led to him being benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. in December.

What’s next for Cousins is unclear, even after Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said the team was comfortable absorbing his $40 million cap number in 2025.

Three years remain on the four-year, $180 million deal Cousins signed with Atlanta in March 2024. After he tossed one touchdown and nine interceptions in a five-game spiral that knocked Atlanta out of playoff position, Cousins went to the bench. He said Tuesday recovery from the Achilles went well.

“I think the Achilles healed well. I think there was a little bit of just trying to get my right ankle back around the Achilles, but the Achilles itself healed really well,” Cousins said on “Good Morning Football: Overtime.”

“Even then, we were 6-3, was playing well, doing a lot of good things, even if the right ankle wasn’t perfect. Nobody’s perfect in this league. We’re never feeling 100 percent. So it didn’t really affect me too much, but then against the Saints (in Week 10), I got hit pretty good in my right shoulder and elbow. From there, kind of dealing with that, it was something I was working through. Just never could get it really to where I wanted it. Now that the season’s over, you have the time and the energy to say, OK, let’s get the right ankle back, let’s get the shoulder back, let’s get the elbow back.

“And if we can do that, feel like I got a new life ahead of me in pro football.”

A move with a post-June 1 designation, or a trade before training camp, would make a reset more feasible for both sides. The Falcons would save $12.5 million, but given his age and rapid regression, his trade market is expected to be cool to frigid.

–Field Level Media

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Falcons prepare Michael Penix Jr., praise ‘pro’ Kirk Cousins for accepting QB2 role

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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris came to the conclusion rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. gives Atlanta the best chance to beat the New York Giants on Sunday, a victory likely required to remain in the NFC playoff picture.

“I don’t think anything is ever permanent in the National Football League, but right now Michael Penix is our quarterback,” Morris said Wednesday.

The first-year coach made the move to Penix, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 draft, following an objective review of starter Kirk Cousins’ play over the past five weeks. Cousins, signed to a four-year, $140 million contract in March, had one touchdown pass Monday to snap a four-game losing streak at Las Vegas. He leads the NFL with 18 turnovers, 16 interceptions and the Falcons (7-7) did their best to look beyond financial considerations and past season performance in an effort to win the moment.

“I brought Kirk in here with belief we could win a championship with Kirk. For whatever reason, lately it hasn’t looked that way,” Morris said.

“We’ve got to play better at the position.”

Atlanta (7-7) trails the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) in the NFC South race. The Falcons play the Washington Commanders (9-5) on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 17 and playoff position could be on the line if the Falcons beat the Giants and the NFC-East leading Eagles beat the Commanders this week.

While coaches claimed the offense will remain the same, the process of upramping Penix shifted into fast-forward at the Flowery Branch, Ga., facility this week. Morris admitted there’s limited chemistry between the rookie lefty and his top targets in the underachieving offense. One plus Morris called out was Penix bringing more athletic ability and mobility than Cousins.

Morris, who has repeated before and during the season he doesn’t need to be the “smartest person in the building,” said the QB decision was a collaboration that involved owner Arthur Blank and GM Terry Fontenot. He said he’s not worried about Penix staring down the barrel with the playoffs still possible, crediting the 24-year-old with “maturity that goes beyond his years.”

He also credited Cousins for taking the demotion as a professional.

“Any time you take a step down, and demotion, whatever the case may be it’s not going to be met with great appreciation,” Morris said. “But Kirk was a professional. He’s a pro, he’s a man, he’s great human, great father, he’s a great football player. He’s done a lot of great things for us this year. He handled it with class. He’s an absolute professional. I can’t say enough good things about who the man is. Obviously it comes with some disappointment when you lose your job.”

Morris said it’s too early to discuss what the depth chart reset means for Cousins’ future with the Falcons. His 2025 salary of $27.5 is fully guaranteed and Atlanta already paid Cousins a $50 million signing bonus and the majority of his $12.5 million base salary for 2024.

There’s some professional historical precedent to the situation playing out in Atlanta for Morris.

During his head coaching run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011, Morris turned to rookie first-round pick Josh Freeman midway through the 2009 season. Byron Leftwich began 2009 as the starter but was sidelined with an elbow injury.

Freeman won his first start with three TD passes, beating the Packers 38-28 to end an 11-game losing streak dating to 2008. The following season, in 2010, Freeman helped Morris flip the Bucs’ 3-13 record to 10-6.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Kirk Cousins returns to Minnesota as Falcons face Vikings

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Kirk Cousins has a pretty good idea about what to expect when he returns to his old home venue.

Cousins played for six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before he departed as a free agent in March to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. Now, the former Minnesota fan favorite will wear the opposing colors when the Falcons (6-6) kick off against the Vikings (10-2) on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Does he think the crowd will be hostile or supportive toward him?

“They’re great football fans,” Cousins said with a smile. “I would think, as a result, they’ll make it as hostile as they can for us. It’s a great fanbase.”

Cousins and the Falcons could use a great performance.

Atlanta is mired in a three-game skid after road losses against the New Orleans Saints and the Denver Broncos and a home defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Falcons have fallen into a tie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the top spot in the underwhelming NFC South.

Cousins also is looking to bounce back individually after one of the worst performances of his career. Against the Chargers last week, he had no touchdown tosses and four interceptions while posting a paltry 40.0 passer rating.

Now comes a test against the Vikings, who have won five games in a row and sit one game behind the Detroit Lions for first place in the NFC North. Minnesota has not missed a beat since Cousins’ exit, with journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold finding success under coach Kevin O’Connell and the defense thriving under coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive style.

Four of the Vikings’ past five wins came by single digits. Minnesota beat the Chicago Bears in overtime two weeks ago, and the Vikings rallied for a 23-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals last week.

Darnold has thrown for 2,952 yards, 23 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and he has posted a 102.5 passer rating on the season. His top target, Justin Jefferson, exceeded the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth consecutive season last week and has hauled in five touchdown passes this year.

By comparison, Cousins has thrown for 3,052 yards, 17 touchdowns and a league-high 13 interceptions. He has a 90.8 passer rating on the season.

Bijan Robinson is a playmaking threat out of the Atlanta backfield with 1,277 yards from scrimmage (885 rushing, 392 receiving) to go along with eight touchdowns (seven rushing, one receiving). Drake London leads the Falcons with 796 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 70 catches.

On defense, the Falcons have struggled to rush the passer. Arnold Ebiketie leads the team with three sacks, and Atlanta has 15 sacks through 12 games.

By comparison, the Vikings have 39 sacks — including a team-high 10 from Jonathan Greenard, nine from Andrew Van Ginkel and seven from Patrick Jones II.

The Vikings’ secondary also has enjoyed a strong campaign, led by five interceptions from cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Last week, fellow cornerback Shaquill Griffin sealed the win for Minnesota when he picked off Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray late in the fourth quarter.

A host on the Vikings’ flagship radio station asked Griffin how he will feel seeing Cousins playing for the Falcons.

“How will I feel?” Griffin said. “If he throws me the ball, I’ll feel great.

“I think that’s what I’ll be looking for in this game. If it’s not me, throw it to somebody. It can be me or maybe Byron Murphy again or maybe Harrison Smith, that would be really nice. Maybe Cam Bynum or maybe (Josh) Metellus. Just throw it to somebody on defense and I’ll be fairly, fairly happy.”

Cousins said he always has found a way through adversity and he would do so again.

“It’s just kind of been a deal where, this league and football and my journey, it always kicks you down and you’ve got to find a way to get back up,” he said. “I find myself there again. I wish I could say I wasn’t in that spot, but I find myself there again.

“I have to believe that tough times don’t last, tough people do, and just keep going and pushing.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris, Falcons not overreacting to 3-game slide

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A month ago, a postseason return for the first time since 2017 looked well on its way for the Atlanta Falcons.

Following a Nov. 3 home win over the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta sat at 6-3 with a two-game lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race. Fast forward a month, and the Falcons have lost three in a row and are tied with Tampa Bay atop the division standings.

Of the three losses, Sunday’s was arguably the toughest to swallow for Atlanta fans. The Falcons’ much-maligned defensive front, which had mustered an NFL-worst 10 sacks heading into Week 13, brought Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert down five times in the backfield.

However, Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions, including the eventual game-losing pick-6 to Tarheeb Still with 1:39 left in the third quarter. In the Falcons’ 17-13 home defeat, Atlanta outgained Los Angeles 350-187, but couldn’t get out of its own way.

In Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a large group of Falcons fans were calling for the mid-game benching of Cousins, who tied his career high with the four picks. The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in last year’s NFL draft just a month after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Despite Cousins’ struggles, first-year head coach Raheem Morris plans to stand pat.

“(Sunday) was Kirk’s worst game or second-worst game in his career having a four-pick day,” Morris said in Monday’s press conference. “But I feel good about Kirk, just who he is and the faith that he has in his ability and the faith that he has to come back and lead this football team.

“… (Cousins) is really accountable. When things go wrong and it’s something that he feels he should have done better, he’ll be the first to tell you. This guy has carried us all year and has put us in this position.”

Penix, speaking to reporters Monday, said he will be ready whenever his name is called but added “it’s not up to me” to say he should step in as QB1.

“He’s a vet,” Penix said of Cousins. “He’s been in a lot of different situations, so I have no doubt that he’s going to bounce back from this and he’s going to be great this weekend and for the rest of the season.”

Cousins, who hasn’t thrown a touchdown since the Nov. 3 victory, will try to rebound this Sunday in Minnesota against a Vikings team with whom he spent the 2018-23 seasons.

Atlanta still controls its destiny in the NFC South after sweeping Tampa Bay.

For the Atlanta pass rush that Morris said “showed a glimpse of what you’d like to see every week,” Arnold Ebiketie tallied two sacks, while David Onyemata, Kaden Elliss and Kentavius Street each recorded a solo sack. Looking to help create momentum for the home stretch of the regular season, Morris said he expects rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) to return from the injured reserve.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Falcons’ revamped offense continues to impress HC Raheem Morris

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The Atlanta Falcons have neither appeared in the postseason nor had a winning record since 2017. You have to go back one year before that to find Atlanta’s last NFC South title.

Sunday’s heart-pounding 31-26 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pushed the Falcons one step closer to ending each of those droughts.

Atlanta sits 5-3 on the season, but more importantly holds a 4-0 record against its divisional foes, including a season sweep of second-place Tampa Bay. For the time being, the Falcons are in the driver’s seat of the division, with the Buccaneers one game behind and the woeful New Orleans Saints (2-6) and Carolina Panthers (1-7) quickly watching their seasons crumble.

Atlanta was committed to revamping its offense in the offseason, and the moves to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Darnell Mooney were effective in bolstering that unit. On Sunday, Cousins threw for 276 yards and four touchdowns, while Mooney hauled in four receptions for 86 yards and a score.

“That was probably (Cousins’) cleanest game as an Atlanta Falcon,” head coach Raheem Morris said in Monday’s press conference. “As far as throwing the ball exactly where it needs to go, exhausting his progressions, feeling really comfortable, being decisive.

“I was really pleased with our quarterback play (Sunday) and you can see the confidence in our offense when he’s playing that way.”

Two of Mooney’s best games as a Falcon came in the two meetings with Tampa Bay. He collected 13 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns in those games. The veteran receiver, who spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears, is Atlanta’s second-leading receiver behind Drake London.

The Falcons have now eclipsed the 30-point mark in three of their last four games, a total they failed to reach a single time in 2023. Morris knows, however, that divisions aren’t won in October, and there’s plenty of football left to be played, starting with this Sunday’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

“The enjoyment part of the win probably ends immediately for us,” Morris said. “You start the process of going upstairs and looking at Dallas, find out what they do well and see what you can try to do better from the previous week.”

Morris also updated the injury outlook for center Drew Dalman (ankle), who’s been out since Week 3; linebacker Troy Andersen (knee), who last played Sep. 29; and defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle), who left Sunday’s game.

“Andersen is probably going to be day-to-day as we talk about it this week,” Morris said. “He went out there last week in practice, so we’ll see where he is this week. Ruke’s injury is fresh, so we’ll get the results from his ankle injury as the week goes on. Dalman is definitely progressing back towards health. I feel really good about him, so we’ll see where that goes.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Raheem Morris takes ownership of Falcons’ ‘flat’ loss to Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

As exciting as the Atlanta Falcons’ three-game winning streak was entering Week 7, Sunday was a reminder that it’s easy to be humbled in the NFL.

Atlanta (4-3) had won three in a row over NFC South foes before a lackluster showing in a 34-14 home defeat to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Falcons’ offense, which was averaging 33.3 points over their longest win streak in five years, turned the ball over three times in the fourth quarter, while being held scoreless the final 22:43 of the loss.

“We came out flat,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Monday. “When I say that, I’m talking about myself. I didn’t prepare them well enough to come out the right way.”

First-year quarterback Kirk Cousins had his worst game as a Falcon, as his two interceptions and fumble in the fourth quarter sealed Atlanta’s fate.

Still very much in the thick of the divisional race, the Falcons will look to put Sunday’s ugly game behind them. Ahead of Monday night’s Tampa Bay-Baltimore game, Atlanta trailed the Buccaneers by a half-game, while leading the New Orleans Saints by two games and the Carolina Panthers by three.

The Falcons, who own the head-to-head tiebreaker over all three NFC South teams, will face Tampa Bay for the second time in less than a month next Sunday, following their 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers on Oct. 3.

“With it being Tampa, you know each other so well,” Morris said. “I think it’s almost an advantage for them on a short week. But it’s the National Football League schedule. This is why we all love it. It’s fun, it’s enjoyable. I can’t wait to get back out and get a chance to play again. I know our guys can’t either.”

While the offense has carried the load for the Falcons for much of the year, the Atlanta defense has had a “bend but don’t break” mentality. On Sunday, however, the unit’s inefficiency showed, as it recorded just one sack.

It’s been a common theme for the franchise, whose six sacks rank last in the NFL. Atlanta also ranked last in 2021 and second-to-last in 2022 before seeing a bump last season.

A missing piece for the Atlanta defense the last three weeks has been linebacker Troy Andersen. The 2022 second-round pick had a career day on Sep. 29 against the Saints, recording a team-high 10 tackles while returning an interception for his first career touchdown.

Andersen has been out since that game with a knee injury, and Morris and the Falcons are hopeful to see his return this week.

“Troy is going to practice for us on Wednesday,” Morris said. “We’ll get him out there, get him moving a little bit, see where he is. Troy is a Ferrari, so to speak. His game is based off being able to move fast and vicious. What makes Troy special … is his ability to run and be as healthy as possible.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kirk Cousins throws for 509 yards as Falcons top Bucs in OT

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ATLANTA — KhaDarel Hodge caught a game-winning 45-yard touchdown with 8:45 left in overtime and Kirk Cousins passed for a franchise-record 509 yards as the Atlanta Falcons beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 36-30 on Thursday night.

After Younghoe Koo’s 52-yard field goal sent the game to overtime as regulation expired, Cousins found Hodge, who had zero receptions entering the contest, for the game-winner.

Cousins completed 42 of 58 passes while surpassing Matt Ryan’s yardage mark of 503 in 2016. Cousins threw for four touchdowns and an interception, as the Falcons (3-2) won their second straight. Drake London caught 12 balls for 154 yards and a score, while Darnell Mooney caught nine passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

Baker Mayfield threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns, while Mike Evans caught five passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns for the Buccaneers (3-2).

Trailing 24-17 at halftime, the Falcons cut into the deficit with Koo’s 48-yard field goal with 6:21 left in the third quarter. Tampa Bay answered on the following drive with Chase McLaughlin’s 32-yard field goal at the 1:17 mark of the third.

On the next drive, the Falcons advanced to the Tampa Bay 10-yard line. After Tyler Allgeier was tackled for a loss of 2 on third-and-two, Cousins found Mooney for a game-tying 12-yard score with 13:18 left in the fourth quarter.

McLaughlin’s 53-yard field goal stamped the ensuing Tampa Bay drive, as the Buccaneers reclaimed the lead with 10:23 remaining. After Mooney dropped what would have been a first-down reception, Koo’s 54-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Tavierre Thomas with 6:29 left.

Jessie Bates III then forced a Bucky Irving fumble, which Atlanta recovered on its own 25 with 2:50 left. However, Lavonte David picked off Cousins on fourth-and-15, before Tampa Bay punted after a 30-second drive.

After a nine-play, 46-yard drive, Koo tied the game with a 52-yard field goal as time expired.

On the game’s opening possession, Cousins led the offense on a seven-play, 70-yard scoring drive, culminated with London’s 18-yard receiving touchdown.

Mayfield then capped a scoring drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Evans, knotting the score at 7 with 7:36 remaining in the first quarter.

After Koo’s missed 41-yard field goal, Tampa Bay took its first lead on McLaughlin’s 53-yard field goal with 1:22 left in the opening quarter.

After Cousins and Mayfield exchanged passing touchdowns to begin the second quarter, Mayfield answered Koo’s 54-yarder with a 4-yard passing touchdown to Sterling Shepard.

–Jack Batten, Field Level Media