The Falcons are amid the most anticipated training camp in quite some time. With Raheem Morris breathing life into the organization, there’s palpable excitement around Flowery Branch.
Some of that is tied to Atlanta’s new head coach and his infectious attitude, but most of it derives from Kirk Cousins, the first quarterback this club has had since Matt Ryan who is worth getting excited about.
The Falcons went from one of the worst quarterbacks in the league the past two years in Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder to one of the best in Cousins. Is he going to be Patrick Mahomes? No, of course not, but the upgrade from Mariota and Ridder is substantial.
The one caveat to consider when tempering expectations is Cousins’ injury, which didn’t result in a PUP designation to start training camp. The veteran signal caller took to the podium to give a positive injury update, telling Atlanta media that he’s all good.
Kirk Cousins ankle update: All good. "Even since (last week), it’s stronger, more dynamic. I have more to go, but I’m moving well and able to play the position." Gave Raheem Morris a heart attack today with 6-yard run. "I heard Rah yell, ‘Blow the whistle, blow the whistle.’
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) July 31, 2024
Other than the actual assimilation of the offense, from Zac Robinson to Kirk Cousins to the pass catchers, the health of the quarterback is the most important aspect of a successful season.
The Falcons watched poor quarterback play bog them down. For half of the season, the club led the NFC South with wins over the Saints and Buccaneers with Desmond Ridder contributing very little.
If the Falcons get even average play out of Kirk Cousins, they should win the division. If they get the MVP-caliber of play Cousins was at last season, it could be scary in Atlanta with Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson.
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Photographer: Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire
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