After another disappointing season which saw the Falcons stammer into a seven-win season for the fifth time in the last six years. Despite this perennial mediocrity, this year’s disappointment was different. In previous seasons the Dirty Birds simply did not have the talent to remain competitive, but this year’s team had more than enough talent to make a splash in the postseason. With weapons in the skill positions and a lockdown secondary, the Falcons were poised for a division title and playoff berth. But they were held back by two major problems, coaching and QB play. With the coaching problem solved with former coordinator Raheem Morris’ promotion to head coach, the QB situation was still unsolved. This solution came with veteran and four-time pro bowler Kirk Cousins who has jump started the Falcons rebuild and hopes to return the offense to its illustrious mid 2010’s prowess.
Since their historic Superbowl loss to the Patriots in 2017, the Falcons, especially on the offensive end have failed to return to those once great heights. These struggles were caused by the rapid aging of their core players. Quarterback Matt Ryan’s play dipped every season after his 2016 season as he aged before eventually leaving to join the colts in 2022 while perennial pro bowler and all pro wide receiver Julio Jones left for Tennessee in 2021. Running backs Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman aged out of their primes, and major contributor Austin Hooper left for Cleveland. Now a shell of its former self, the offense looked to rebuild. The first step in this rebuild was taking freak athlete and tight end Kyle Pitts with the 4th pick in the 2021 draft where he earned a pro bowl nod as a rookie. Then, in 2022, the Falcons loaded up on offense taking receiver Drake London with the eighth pick, followed by quarterback Desmond Ridder in the third round, and running back Tyler Allegier in the fifth. Both Allegier and London proved to be quality pieces to build around. However, Ridder struggled in his first season. Then in 2023, they took running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth pick. He also became a key cog in the offense. However, Ridder continued to hold the offense back with his poor play, and it was clear something needed to change. “I’m glad we finally got rid of Ridder,” said sophomore Brian Whittenton, “I can’t wait to see what Bijan, Drake, and Kyle can do with a QB who can get them the ball.”
The addition of Cousins looks to add an immediate jolt to the offense. Cousins recorded 2300 yards and 18 touchdowns to only five interceptions in just eight games for the Vikings. His season was abruptly ended by a gruesome achilles tear just halfway through the campaign. Due to the incredible severity of this injury coupled with his veteran status in the league, this left his future in Minnesota uncertain, especially with his contract with the team running out in the offseason. With the Vikings declining to re-sign him, this allowed Atlanta to swoop in for the 35-year-old. The 4 year, 180-million-dollar contract seems exorbitant to many, especially for a 35-year-old. However, the Falcons cleverly constructed the deal to where a majority of the cap hit is taken in the first two years of the deal. If Cousins’ age becomes a problem in the back half of the deal, the Falcons can release him with minimal penalty. “I love this move for the Falcons, and I love Kirk as a player and I’m so excited to watch him in person this season,” said freshman Nolan Welch.
The introduction of Cousins brings a much-needed jolt to a previously lifeless offense that, despite having the talent at the skill positions, could never put it all together due to lackluster quarterback play. Expectations around the team have skyrocketed as fans are tired of the perennial mediocrity of the franchise and the Dirty Birds look to make a push for playoffs in a particularly weak NFC South division.
