Falcons fans argue over Kirk Cousins' health following rocky debut
On paper, the Atlanta Falcons have one of the NFL's easiest schedules this season, but the first five weeks are no cakewalk. While many assumed Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers would be an easy win, the Falcons suffered an ugly 18-10 loss to a team without its starting quarterback. Justin Fields outplayed Kirk Cousins in Week 1 and fans are extremely concerned.
Cousins didn't look comfortable in his first game back from an Achilles tear. Head coach Raheem Morris attributed his quarterback's two-interception performance to rust, but fans had other ideas. Since the team called zero play-action passes and operated almost exclusively out of the pistol, some feel Cousins is still dealing with the effects of his injury.
Others think first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is to blame for Sunday's abysmal offensive performance. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, but the Falcons are in a tough spot either way. The team can't say he's hurt after declaring he was healthy in the weeks leading up to the season opener, and benching Cousins for rookie Michael Penix would open up a whole different can of worms.
Falcons fans and former players, including Matt Ryan, gave their two cents on Cousins' disappointing debut on Twitter:
Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan
Former #Falcons QB Matt Ryan gives his thoughts on Atlanta’s Week 1 performance:
“Not only him [Kirk Cousins], but I thought the entire offense looked out of sync. The problem is, they’re going against Pittsburgh’s defense, you’ve got a first time play-caller in Zac Robinson… pic.twitter.com/VHhA3ZpO9h— Bryce Lewis (@Bryce_Lewis86) September 10, 2024
Former Falcons QB Kurt Benkert
After further review, it doesn’t look like Kirk Cousins is physically ready to play football and I don’t think he gives the Falcons the best chance to win under his current circumstances.
He does not look fully healthy or explosive with his Achilles by any means.— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) September 10, 2024
If Falcons fans listen to no one, they should listen to the Falcons GOAT. https://t.co/hw6CgDrZWt
— Ev Glaze (@Everett_G07) September 10, 2024
Yesterday Falcons fans were talking about signing Cam Newton to be our QB1.
Today there’s Falcons fans on this app talking about trading Kyle Pitts.
We are 1 game into the 17 game season…. pic.twitter.com/Ed66q9xMdo— Carrie (@carrielynnxox) September 10, 2024
Look, Cousins is clearly not 100%. Regardless of that, the #Falcons are going to send him out there against the #Eagles and #Chiefs.
I don't believe a hobbled Cousins is a better option than Penix. I'd rather put the rookie in until Cousins is ready. But the team disagrees.— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) September 10, 2024
#Falcons HC Raheem Morris on gameplan vs. Steelers with regard to Kirk Cousins' health:
"You know, with Kirk being here, we've been doing the same thing since he's been here, and that's how we planned on playing. And we played that way throughout. We've played that way for a…— Joe Patrick (@japatrick200) September 9, 2024
Assuming it’s just a mental block, the only way out is through.
To get this version of Kirk Cousins back, he’s going to need reps.
And we’re going to need patience. pic.twitter.com/rGJlq8tZGe— Rise Up Reader (@RiseUpReader) September 9, 2024
If @KirkCousins8 isn't 100% (granted he wanted to play preseason, Coach Ra said no) then the @AtlantaFalcons needed to get more reps for Penix Jr. in preseason and start him until Cousins is ready. If it was Week 3 so be it.
— MikeBell929 (@MikeBellATL) September 9, 2024
sorry Kirk but you’re dying back there before I let McGary block Penix’s blind side
— Tre’Shon (@tre3shon) September 9, 2024
Just thinking out loud this morning. The next time the QB coming back from a ruptured Achilles tells you that he wants to play in the exhibition season to shake off the rust......LET HIM PLAY!!! https://t.co/byY6T5BSYA
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) September 9, 2024
Paid 180 million for a statue of Kirk cousins https://t.co/wZ7UqHDydd
— Carlton (@CrispyCarlton) September 10, 2024
YOU SUPPOSED TO KNOCK OFF THE RUST IN PRESEASON SO YOU READY FOR THE REAL GAMES!!!😤😤😠RM is starting to get on my nerves with his post game comments just like Arthur Smith did. 😏 https://t.co/P1dXAhywGX
— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) September 10, 2024
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons fans argue over Kirk Cousins' health following rocky debut
