Raheem Morris addresses Kirk Cousins' injury concern after $180,000,000 QB's disastrous Falcons debut
The Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta did not get off to the flying start the team had hoped for, as the Pittsburgh Steelers rolled into Mercedes-Benz Stadium and beat the home team 18-10. The veteran quarterback, who signed a $180 million deal in the offseason, had a poor game as he completed only 16 of his 26 pass attempts for 155 yards and one touchdown, with two interceptions.
The 36-year-old clocked only 19 passing yards in the second half, a career-low for the four-time Pro Bowler. The game against the Steelers was Cousins' first since Week 8 of the 2023 NFL season, when he suffered a torn Achilles.
The Falcons called only one play from under center, suggesting they were actively trying to protect the veteran quarterback. However, Falcons coach Raheem Morris has downplayed those claims.
"I feel like Kirk is healthy. He's been healthy since he's been here... With Kirk being here, we've been doing the same thing since he's been here, and that's how we've planned on playing and we've played that way throughout.
"We've played that way for a minute, and we've done a bunch of different things in our case and everything we're going to do is figuring out how to win this football game," Morris told reporters on Monday per ESPN.
Morris claims the lack of play-action calls was by design and not due to Cousins' health. Their decision proved to be a critical error, as it allowed T.J. Watt to have his way with the Falcons' offensive line.
T.J. Watt spoiled Kirk Cousins' debut
With Kirk Cousins largely sitting in the pocket and trying to find the open receivers, it was up to the Falcons' offensive line and running backs to create time and space for their quarterback. However, they had no answers for Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt, who had an exceptional game.
The veteran pass rusher registered three quarterback hits on Kirk Cousins, two tackles for losses, one sack, and a fumble recovery in a dominant display that has made him an early contender to win the Defensive Player of the Year award for the second time in his career.
The Falcons will have to switch up their offensive game plan for their Week 2 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFC East giants' vaunted pass rush left Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love with an MCL sprain.