What is Kirk Cousins' record in primetime games? Exploring Falcons QB's numbers ahead of Week 15
Kirk Cousins' 2024 year has been a rollercoaster. Between working his way back from injury, moving to join the Atlanta Falcons, their decision to draft Michael Penix Jr., and Cousins' rise and fall in the regular season, it has been quite turbulent.
However, entering Week 15, Cousins is still Atlanta's guy. With the Buccaneers winning against the Chargers on Sunday, the pressure is on the Falcons to deliver in primetime. That said, long-time NFL fans know the narrative with Kirk Cousins in primetime.
Still, after years of battling against the narrative, his breakout deal with the Vikings, and plenty of time under Kevin O'Connell, is the narrative still an issue? Here's a look at everything Kirk Cousins in primetime.
Kirk Cousins' primetime record improving in 2024
Coming into the year, Cousins was 12-20 in primetime games. Meaning when the lights went on, the quarterback was off. However, in 2024, his record is better going into Week 15 than it was at the start of the year.
This season, Cousins has improved his record to 14-21 with a 2-1 run this season. Cousins defeated the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in dramatic wins. On a mid-season Sunday Night Football bout against the Chiefs, he came up short like every other team not named the Bills.
Kirk Cousins' production up and down in primetime this season
In his three primetime games this season, Cousins has thrown for seven touchdowns and two interceptions. His most productive game was against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for four touchdowns and one interception.
Conversely, his worst game this season was against the Kansas City Chiefs, throwing for one touchdown and one interception.
Looking back, perhaps his most impressive performance was against the Philadelphia Eagles, who currently has the top-ranked defense in the NFL. The Buccaneers, who Cousins was the most productive against, currently has the 29th-best passing defense in the NFL in terms of yards per game allowed.
Of course, Cousins' biggest concern is how he has been playing in every game since Nov. 10, primetime or not. Cousins has thrown for zero touchdowns and eight interceptions in arguably the most sudden cooldown for any player this season at any position, per Pro Football Reference. Will it take a primetime game with his back against the wall for Cousins to get his arm back on track?