Atlanta’s offense sputters with Cousins under center.
Effortlessly, the Miami Dolphins put the clamp on the pedestrian Atlanta Falcons‘ passing game led by reserve quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Dolphins surged to a 17-3 lead in the first half and never looked back on their way to a 34-10 victory in Week 8.
With Cousins under center, the Falcons converted just two of 11 third downs, were forced to punt four times, and totaled just 11 first downs the entire game. Running back Bijan Robinson also had a tough outing but it ultimately was Cousins’ mediocrity that kept the Falcons offense stagnant all afternoon. Timing was off, there was miscommunication on route trees, and ten total incompletions allowed the Dolphins to dictate the pace.
Wide receiver Drake London’s surprise absence certainly didn’t help Cousins, but at this point, it should be painfully clear to anyone watching that Penix offers the team its best opportunity for success. The second-year quarterback will work to recover from his knee injury in the hopes of returning to the field in Week 9 versus the New England Patriots.
Hopefully, Sunday’s game will serve as a reminder to Penix’s critics that the grass isn’t always greener.