The Kirko Chainz era in Atlanta has officially begun.
Coming off a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Atlanta Falcons and new quarterback Kirk Cousins shocked the football world on Monday with a last-minute drive to steal a win from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles had a chance to ice the game on a third-and-three from Atlanta’s 10-yard line, but Saquon Barkley dropped a pass from Jalen Hurts, forcing Philadelphia to settle for a field goal with one minute, 42 seconds left on the clock.
From there, Cousins authored his first signature moment in a Falcons uniform.
The 36-year-old, who has been notoriously bad in primetime throughout his career, took Atlanta 70 yards down the field in six plays and just over a minute, capping off the comeback with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Drake London to even the score at 21.
London was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after the play, pushing the extra point back to a 48-yard try, but that was no issue for Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo, who split the uprights.
Cousins finished the game completing 20 of his 29 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns.
Atlanta sealed the upset just two plays into the Eagles’ ensuing drive when safety Jessie Bates III intercepted Hurts’ deep pass attempt with 27 seconds remaining.
As Cousins came out to take a knee and run out the clock on his first Falcons victory, football fans took to social media to recognize his late-game heroics. Here are some of the best reactions:
In a thrilling game against the defending champions, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered a performance for the ages with an epic game-winning drive that left the sports world buzzing. Cousins, who has faced criticism in the past for his inconsistency, silenced his critics with a clutch performance that showcased his talent and leadership on the field.
The game-winning drive started with just over two minutes left on the clock and the Falcons trailing by four points. Cousins remained calm under pressure as he orchestrated a methodical march down the field, completing key passes to his receivers and making smart decisions to move the chains. His poise and confidence were on full display as he expertly managed the clock and executed precise throws to put his team in scoring position.
As the final seconds ticked away, Cousins delivered a perfect strike to his tight end in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Falcons secured a dramatic victory over the defending champions. The sports world took notice of Cousins’ heroics, with analysts and fans alike praising his performance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Former NFL quarterback turned analyst, Tony Romo, lauded Cousins for his composure and decision-making during the crucial drive, noting that he displayed the poise of a seasoned veteran. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith praised Cousins for stepping up when his team needed him most, calling it a defining moment in his career.
Social media was abuzz with reactions to Cousins’ epic game-winning drive, with fans and fellow athletes alike showering him with praise. NBA superstar LeBron James tweeted his admiration for Cousins’ clutch performance, calling it “unbelievable” and “inspirational.” Former Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones also chimed in, congratulating Cousins on a job well done.
Cousins’ game-winning drive not only solidified his place as a top quarterback in the league but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of sports. In a game where anything can happen, Cousins’ heroics will be remembered as a shining moment in Falcons history and a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.