There isn't a reasonabledebate to be had that the Atlanta Falconsneeded to turn the page on Kirk Cousins. It was clear the aging star had lost his confidence and wasn't going to be a viable answer moving forward. This allowed Cousins to land with the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential bridge option to first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Cousins could save Mendoza from taking early season punishment or being thrown in the fire before needed adjustments had been made.
Cousins finished last season with 1,721 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, spending the first part of the season sitting behind Michael Penix Jr. The veteran was forced into action when Penix suffered a season-ending injury and did little to convince the Falcons there was hope of the quarterback being able to turn things around.
However, this didn't stop the Raiders from bringing in Cousins, understanding the starting experience and the mentor the aging quarterback can be. While the role caught the QB off guard in Atlanta, the signing with Las Vegas happened with the understanding that this was the expected role, with a chance to start as Mendoza develops and makes adjustments to the next level.
This past week slowed the thought that the quarterback could start Week 1, with Mendoza throwing a pick-six in the second week of preseason and clearly struggling. The lack of experience showed, and the Raiders are now extremely likely to start the season with Cousins as first planned, giving the rookie more time to adjust.
Former Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins Appears Poised to Start 2026 Season
It will be interesting for Atlanta fans to watch whether the Raiders have been able to rebuild the confidence of Cousins and whether or not anything is left in the tank for a player who appeared to be unable to complete basic throws and was fading from hits a season ago. No question, like it or not, Falcons fans have a vested level of interest and will be keeping a close eye on how things play out.
Cousins has started with positive momentum in the preseason by showing his veteran ability in camp, and Mendoza is flashing struggles you expect a rookie to endure. Watching whether Cousins is able to play at the level he once achieved will be telling as to whether it was a confidence and coaching problem in Atlanta or simply a lack of ability.
Regardless of the answer, it is easy to consider Cousins a winner of the preseason as the veteran quarterback appears to have cemented a starting role.
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