Falcons Reveal Concerning Reason Behind Kirk Cousins' Disappointing Debut

The Atlanta Falcons failed to open the new NFL campaign with a win for the sixth time in seven seasons, falling 18-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. The disappointing performance can be blamed on several individuals, especially quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons this offseason.

Although Cousins has never been the best QB in the league, his play on Sunday doesn't match the $25 million cap hit he carries this season. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has since revealed the reason behind the 36-year-old signal-caller's struggles, which could concern Atlanta fans.

According to Marc Raimondi of ESPN, Morris clarified to reporters that while Cousins isn't dealing with any injuries, he is dealing with "some rust from not playing for so long." The four-time Pro Bowl gunslinger suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during a Week 8 showdown against the Green Bay Packers last season.

Most reporters surrounding Cousins' recovery this summer indicated that he wouldn't be limited once the 2024 campaign began. While it's encouraging to know that he's "healthy," one has to wonder if the former Michigan State QB is too far on the wrong side of 30 to return to his previous form.

Despite being surrounded by talented weapons in Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, Cousins struggled to find a rhythm in Week 1. The former 2012 fourth-rounder finished his Falcons debut by going 16-for-26 (61.5 percent) in the pocket for 155 passing yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and a 59.0 passer rating.

According to Pro Football Focus, Cousins' 42.1 offense grade to open the season ranked fourth-worst among the Week 1 quarterbacks .

Even though Cousins is under contract through 2027, his hold on the No. 1 QB job in Atlanta isn't necessarily secure. After all, the Falcons spent a 2024 first-round selection on former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has the potential to become the face of the franchise based on his development.

While the expectation was for Penix to play a few seasons behind Cousins, that could change if the latter's downward spiral continues. The Falcons haven't had a winning season since 2017 and starting the year with a string of losses could pressure them to make a change under center.

Cousins and the Falcons will face an uphill battle to turn things around in Week 2 when they head to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday.