Five games in which Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​could struggle

June is all about optimism. Every team is at the top of their game, every player with a question mark has all the answers. There is no doubt, there are only good vibes. Cousins’ signing comes with the promise of instant success. A promise of an end to a six-year playoff skid that Atlanta Falcons fans haven’t felt since the dawn of the ’90s. As Atlanta navigates this offseason, armed with the easiest schedule in the NFL , they are ready to lead the NFC South and take the NFL by storm.

Despite this easier path, that doesn’t mean there aren’t places in the season where Cousins ​​and this offense couldn’t falter. Today we list five possible matchups where Cousins ​​could struggle during the 2024 season.

1) @ Minnesota Vikings – Week 14 – December 8, 2024

The build-up to this game will be about one thing and one thing only: Cousins’ return to the Twin Cities. With so much emotion surrounding a game, so much hype, and so much discussion surrounding one aspect of it, it can get exhausting. Cousins ​​is the ultimate professional and will handle these distractions like any player should.

But the mental toll of this game will be heavy to overcome, not to mention having to deal with players like defensive coordinator Brian Flores. His exotic facades and aggressive nature could be a huge thorn in Cousins’ side as he plots his return to USA Bank Stadium.

When rumors swirled that the Pittsburgh game would be Atlanta’s home opener, concern immediately began to set in. Not because of Cousins’ 3-6 record in opening week games or the amount of storylines that could possibly fill the news broadcasts leading up to the game.

What I’m worried about has number 90 on one side of the line (TJ Watt), number 56 on the other side (Alex Highsmith) and number 97 in the middle (Cam Heyward). Last season, Pittsburgh was tied for 11th in total sacks and 11th in pressure percentage, one of the reasons they were sixth in points allowed last season. Their physical style of play is the last thing a quarterback coming off a serious injury wants to see in his first game back, and is a massive test early on for the Falcons and their offensive line in a completely new system.

3) against the Kansas City Chiefs – Week 3 – September 22, 2024

There will be a lot of speculation that this game will be broadcast here since this is not a game that is played on Sundays before 7 p.m. EST. However, I saw how Cousins ​​dismantled the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football last season, so I hope that narrative can be put aside for now.

Instead, the Chiefs come into this year having fielded the second-best defense in points allowed and sixth-best in EPA/play allowed. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense has been a driving force behind Kansas City’s Super Bowl run and, despite the loss of La’Jarius Sneed, will look to have a similar effect as they seek the three-peat.

4) against the Dallas Cowboys – Week 9 – November 3, 2024

As for Dallas, I’m just not a fan of the game. The top pass rushers always seem to have a day against Atlanta, mainly because they target right tackle Kaleb McGary whenever they can. They lost defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and with that, perhaps a touch of aggression as well. But this is still a talented team with a sticky secondary that could cause a lot of turnovers.

5) @ Washington Commanders – Week 17 – TBD

You know that itch that keeps bothering you to no end? For the Falcons, that itch is shaped like a huge “W.” Atlanta has struggled over the past three years to beat the aggressive play of the Commanders and their dangerous front seven. Last season the Commanders faced Desmond Ridder three times and they look just as dangerous in the top seven with the arrival of new head coach and familiar face to Falcons fans, Dan Quinn.