When the Atlanta Falcons named Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, many expected them to let Kirk Cousins go. Instead, they kept him. Cousins, previously benched last season, made a strong case for why the Falcons should have faith in him.
In a recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cousins threw for 373 yards, connecting with tight end Kyle Pitts for three touchdowns. A last-second 43-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez clinched a stunning 29-28 victory for Atlanta. This win pushed the Buccaneers to a 7-7 record, trailing the Carolina Panthers in their division.
Cousins’ performance was impressive, especially considering he reclaimed his role after Penix’s knee injury. Many had counted him out at 37, but he reminded fans and critics alike of his value with this game-winning performance.
Kyle Pitts shone bright, too. He caught six passes for 111 yards in the first half alone, scoring two touchdowns. This marked a turnaround for Pitts, who had struggled for much of the season. According to NFL researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno, he became the first tight end since George Kittle in 2021 to achieve over 100 yards and two touchdowns in a single half.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Falcons. They racked up 19 penalties, the most since the Cleveland Browns did the same in 2019. Mistakes made by both teams kept the game tense.
The Buccaneers even took a lead at one point, thanks to a touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield. But they couldn’t withstand the Falcons’ resilience. When Cousins faced a daunting fourth-and-14 late in the game, he connected with David Sills, keeping their hopes alive.
Overall, this game was a rollercoaster for both teams, and the Falcons showed they could overcome adversity. For the Buccaneers, questions will surely arise about how they let this critical win slip away. The stakes are high as teams jostle for playoff positions.
As Atlanta celebrates this crucial win, they’ll look to build momentum, while Tampa Bay must regroup quickly if they want to keep their playoff dreams alive. To track more about the playoff picture, check out the latest insights from reputable sources like ESPN.
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Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kyle Pitts, Julio Aguilar, Michael Penix Jr., Chris Godwin Jr., Bijan Robinson, Tampa Bay, Zane Gonzalez, Baker Mayfield, Dee Alford, George Kittle, Carolina Panthers, Devin Culp, Darnell Mooney, David Sills, San Francisco, Godwin
