It took a few years, but the Atlanta Falcons finally seem to have their quarterback situation sorted out for the first time since Matt Ryan was traded following the 2021 NFL season.
While Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke each struck out for Atlanta, Kirk Cousins is capable of producing at the level fans grew accustomed to with Ryan under center from 2008 to 2021.
However, Cousins will benefit from playing on a significantly more talented team than the ones Ryan had over his final years in Atlanta. Even though he doesn’t appear 100 percent healthy, Cousins has passed for 626 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions through the first three weeks.
After a slow start in Week 1, Cousins has played much better over the last two games. As we gear up for the conclusion of the first quarter of the regular season, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin updated his quarterback power rankings to include the Falcons signal caller at No. 15:
At 36, it’s clear Cousins needs sturdy protection to be productive. But he’s fed – and elevated – his playmakers with mostly pinpoint accuracy in back-to-back close games with superior teams in the Eagles and Chiefs. — Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports
Cousins started the season at No. 15 on Benjamin’s rankings but dropped to 21st in Week 2 before climbing to 18th the following week. Atlanta’s offense has not lived up to the offseason hype thus far, but there have been plenty of flashes.
This offense should continue to improve as Cousins gets healthier and first-year offensive coordinator Zac Robinson gets more comfortable in his role.
Atlanta will host the New Orleans Saints this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons are currently slight favorites. Check out the team’s latest injury report and depth chart for Week 4.
