Just when it appeared the Atlanta Falcons were on the brink of an all too familiar collapse after jumping out to a 21-0 lead on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams, the offense came back to life.
Clutch plays from Kirk Cousins and Bijan Robinson pushed Atlanta within field goal range and allowed the franchise to run down the clock and kick what would be the game-winning field goal for a 27-24 win over the Rams. It was Atlanta's third-straight win and another confusing performance for a team that has gone 4-2 since Cousins has taken over.
Monday night's win was the perfect Cousins experience, with the veteran not getting in the way of Bijan Robinson, who had nearly 200 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns. This allowed the quarterback to sit back and play a supporting role, throwing for 126 passing yards and a touchdown on the night.
While the numbers are underwhelming, it was a great win over what's been one of the league's better defensive units. Cousins played his role perfectly and continued to protect the football, which has played a huge part in his late-season renaissance.
In his last three games, Cousins has thrown six touchdowns to one interception. All of a sudden, the Falcons have a legitimate reason to consider bringing back the aging quarterback for the start of the 2026 season.
Kirk Cousins Is Making Strong Case to Be Part of Falcons' 2026 Plans
It's important to note that Cousins being put back on the table as a starter is due to desperation, and not denying the obvious issues. The quarterback still fades from contact and is a statue in the pocket, needing elite protection for Atlanta's offense to consistently move the football.
However, there is also no denying that we've seen back-to-back seasons when Cousins is healthy and in the lineup, Atlanta wins.
Prior to getting injured in the 2024 season, Cousins started the year 6-3 and was putting up solid numbers. Since getting back into the swing of Atlanta's offense this year, the franchise has gone 4-2 and is yet again finding ways to win. All of this adds up to the Falcons having little choice but to bring Cousins back for the third year of his deal as they evaluate whether or not Michael Penix Jr. has a future coming off his third serious knee injury.
Furthering this point is the fact that Atlanta lacks its own first-round selection in the 2026 draft. This takes away any chance of drafting a top quarterback prospect and leaves the Falcons looking at an underwhelming free agent class at the position.
For Cousins, it seems that finishing the year out in style by sweeping the New Orleans Saints and ending the year on a four-game winning streak is all that is needed to cement his role in Atlanta.
Three straight wins, with the last coming against the playoff-bound Rams, who are fighting for seeding, is too much evidence to ignore. As underwhelmed as fans might be by the decision, Cousins has earned the chance to return in 2026, and to put it simply, the Falcons lack any better choice.