The Atlanta Falcons are paying Kirk Cousins more than they are any of the team's current four options, while the veteran is starting for the Las Vegas Raiders. Not only is Cousins being paid more by Atlanta, but the starter is 2-0 and has done an incredible job leading the Raiders' offense. The numbers are solid, with 413 passing yards and six touchdowns to go along with three interceptions. Turnovers that frustrated Falcons fans are still present, but Cousins is leading a capable offense and making the Falcons look foolish.
Atlanta jettisoned Cousins to pay Tua Tagovailoa and hope that Michael Penix Jr. would be able to get healthy and prove to be a viable answer. Seeing just how well Cousins has played while neither of Atlanta's starting options are yet to be active roster members shows just how unwise of a decision the franchise made.
Cousins wins the first game of the season against the Steelers, considering Atlanta's defensive effort and unquestionably gives you a better chance against Carolina the following week. As a reminder, Cooper Rush has four interceptions and a lone touchdown in his two starts to go along with a 56.4% completion percentage and 229 passing yards.
These numbers don't fully tell the story of just how awful Rush has played and how large of an upgrade Cousins would be if he were still in the starting lineup. What makes the decision infuriating is the fact that you could've still wasted this season and kept Cousins, at least giving the fans the hope of NFC South contention.
Falcons Continue to Reach New Lows as Kirk Cousins Shines While Atlanta Pays the Price
Paying Cousins more than you are any of your two options combined is clearly laughable for a franchise unable to get out of its own way. This is where it is important to note that Cousins at times appeared to be aging overnight and didn't offer consistency while starting for the Falcons. However, the quarterback also holds the single-game passing yardage record for the franchise.
There was also a clear level of respect and love for the quarterback in the huddle and on the sideline. You can tell that Cousins garners the respect of his teammates, and that has been clear in Las Vegas as well. The Raiders are currently tied with the Chiefs at the top of the AFC West standings, and this is in no small part due to the leadership of the former Falcon.
A quarterback who could easily be setting the tone for the current playmakers and at least offer a better opportunity to get in the red zone. This is something the Falcons have yet to accomplish in two games. No other team has managed this feat, pointing to just how much Atlanta is excelling at finding incapable quarterback play.
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