Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins Had a Really Tough Sunday in Atlanta

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Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings took their first loss of the 2024 NFL season Sunday, at the hands of a very good Detroit Lions team. It came down to the wire. They need to be better, but it’s not a performance that the Vikings should feel ashamed of.

It was two NFL heavyweights battling it out, until the very last bell. This time, the final decision did not land in Minnesota’s favor. Late game mistakes allowed to Detroit a chance to win, and they took advantage.

At the end of the day, half the teams in the league lose every week, right? I’m not one for moral victories, but it’s been a long time since a team has gone undefeated. The 2007 Patriots went 16-0 in the regular season. Prior to that, it had been 30 years since the Dolphins accomplished that feat (12-0).

Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons had a tough Sunday

In other words, the Minnesota Vikings were never going 17-0. And let’s be honest. Some losses are worse than others. For example, let’s fly south, to the other end of the United States, to Atlanta, where former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and his new team were destroyed (at home) 34-14 by the mediocre Seattle Seahawks.

Cousins, Atlanta’s new $180 million QB, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. It was an all-around tough day for our former quarterback, and his new squad. Cousins wasn’t terrible, from a statistical standpoint. He went 24-of-35 for 232 yards and a touchdown, to go with his three turnovers.

Today’s loss for the Falcons was a group effort. Penalties were a huge problem (9 for 72 yards), and they lost the turnover battle 3-0. That is not a recipe for victory. Worse yet, Kirk accounted for all three of Atlanta’s turnovers.

Kirk Cousins’ fumble was extra egregious. For a guy who is often criticized for being too safe, you just cannot do what he did on that play. Throw the ball away, tuck it and take the sack.

Related: JJ McCarthy in the House and Throwing the Football Around Prior to Vikings vs Lions

Do anything other than wait way too long, to attempt an impossible throw that is never going to end up in the hands of a teammate. All while former Minnesota Gophers EDGE rusher Boye Mafe is breathing down your neck. Because that’s what Kirk did. The result? A 40-yard fumble return touchdown that all but iced the game for the Seahawks.

Did the Minnesota Vikings make the right choice letting Kirk walk?

On the season, Kirk Cousins is now 162-of-242 (67%) for 1,830 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for the Atlanta Falcons. Outside of the high interception rate, those are pretty standard Kirk Cousins numbers. Changing systems and moving to a defensive-minded football team was always a risk.

But we know Kirk. He’s always willing to bet on himself. He took more money, knowing there was a lot more risk involved with changing teams and schemes. That was before the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix had one pass today, by the way. He completed it for 14 yards.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Hard-Fought Loss vs Lions

How does Sam Darnold’s first season with the Minnesota Vikings compare to Kirk Cousins’ first season as a Falcon? Darnold had a pretty impressive line today, going 22-of-27 (81%) for 259 yards. Unfortunately, he threw 1 interception and 0 touchdowns.

Cousins vs Sam Darnold – 2024

Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons vs Seattle Seahawks
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Overall, Sam played pretty well. The fans calling for his head are delusional. But without a doubt, he did struggle in the 2nd half, at times. And Sam’s inability to make a decisive decision on the second-to-last play of the game also proved to be fatal. On the season, though, the Minnesota Vikings won’t be complaining.

Sam Darnold is now 109-of-164 (66.5%) on the season, for 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He doesn’t have the volume Kirk does. The Vikings former QB has thrown the ball 78 more times than their current QB, this season. But Sam’s TD/INT ratio is way better, even if Kirk’s completion percentage is higher.

Related: We Now Know Vikings Kicker Will Reichard’s Max Field Goal Distance

We’ll probably see Atlanta Falcons fans calling for Kirk Cousins’ head this week. That’s how things always work with Kirko. Most of that criticism will be somewhat overexaggerated. But nonetheless, I’m sure glad (given the money vs output ratio), that the Minnesota Vikings moved on.

Unlike the Falcons, the Vikings are tied for first in their division, at 5-1. Fortunately for Cousins, there’s a lot of season left to play for his new team. In Minnesota, that includes a quick turnaround this week, when they will be featured on Thursday Night Football vs the LA Rams.

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