The Shocking Week 2 Loss: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons
In Week 2 of the NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles suffered one of the most shocking upsets, losing to the Atlanta Falcons in a game that seemed well within their grasp. While the Falcons are undoubtedly a solid team, Philadelphia was positioned to secure a win and move to a 2-0 record.1
However, a series of missed opportunities and a late-game collapse resulted in an unexpected defeat that left the Eagles reeling. This loss raises serious questions about their execution under pressure and whether they can fix these issues moving forward.
Table of Contents
The Missed Opportunity
Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter with momentum on their side, needing only three yards to seal the game. They had fought hard throughout the contest, and their defense had been largely effective against the Falcons’ offensive attack.
Despite facing a team led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Eagles had the ball deep in Atlanta’s territory, primed for a win.
Saquon Barkley’s Crucial Drop
Barkley’s drop near the end zone was a pivotal moment. Known for his elite talent and ability to make big plays in critical situations, Barkley’s error was surprising. It was a routine catch that he would normally secure with ease, but in the high-pressure environment of a close NFL game, mistakes can happen.
The Eagles’ coaching staff and fans expected Barkley to make the play that would have put the game out of reach. His drop, however, left Philadelphia with only a slim six-point lead and gave the Falcons hope.
Kirk Cousins’ Comeback Drive
What followed was a testament to Kirk Cousins’ veteran poise and the Falcons’ resilience. With just a few minutes left in the game, Cousins led Atlanta on a quick and decisive touchdown drive, slicing through the Eagles’ defense with precision.
The Eagles’ inability to stop Cousins during this drive was one of the most disappointing aspects of the loss. Up until that point, Philadelphia’s defense had held firm, but when it mattered most, they crumbled.
Also Read: Kirk Cousins Age: Unveiling the Quarterback Birth Year
Who’s to Blame for the Eagles’ Surprising Loss?
The Philadelphia Eagles’ stunning Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons left fans and analysts alike searching for answers. After a game that was within their control, the Eagles saw victory slip through their fingers due to a combination of factors.2
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However, it’s important to note that the play call by head coach Nick Sirianni was not one of the issues, and had it been executed properly, Philadelphia could very well be sitting at 2-0.
Nick Sirianni’s Play Call: The Right Decision
Head coach Nick Sirianni’s play call in the crucial moment of the game was widely considered the correct decision. In a critical third-down situation deep in Atlanta’s territory, the play was designed to get the ball into the hands of star running back Saquon Barkley.3
Barkley was wide open, and the setup was perfect. The offensive line gave quarterback Jalen Hurts the time he needed to deliver the pass, and Barkley had a clear path to the end zone.
Saquon Barkley’s Costly Drop
Saquon Barkley, one of the most talented and reliable offensive players in the league, was at the center of the game’s turning point. His drop near the end zone was a rare miscue for a player of his caliber.
Barkley had been playing well throughout the game, and his ability to make explosive plays was a key part of the Eagles’ strategy. However, in this moment, he let the ball slip through his hands.
The Defense’s Late Collapse
- While Barkley’s drop was a pivotal moment, the Eagles’ defense also bears some responsibility for the loss. After the field goal, Philadelphia’s defense had an opportunity to stop the Falcons and secure the win.
- Instead, they allowed Atlanta quarterback Kirk Cousins to lead a quick and efficient touchdown drive, exploiting weaknesses in the Eagles’ secondary.
- Philadelphia’s defense had been solid for most of the game, but in the final moments, they faltered. Cousins was able to find his receivers with ease, and the Eagles’ pass rush failed to generate enough pressure to disrupt his rhythm.
- The defense’s inability to make a crucial stop in the final minutes of the game was a major factor in the loss.
Kirk Cousins’ Early Life and Background
Kirk Cousins, born on August 19, 1988, in Barrington, Illinois, to Don and Maryann Cousins, was destined for greatness from a young age. Cousins grew up as the second oldest of three children in a deeply religious and tight-knit family.
His father, Don Cousins, was a senior pastor at Discovery Church in Orlando, Florida, where Kirk learned the values of faith, discipline, and hard work that would shape his future in athletics and life.
High School Success in Football
While Kirk Cousins was a multi-sport athlete, it was on the football field where he truly shined. As a quarterback, Cousins displayed a sharp football IQ and remarkable leadership skills that set him apart.
At Holland Christian, he quickly emerged as one of the top players, leading his team with both his arm and his decision-making. His poise and confidence under pressure became trademarks that would carry him through his career.
Twitter is obsessed with Kirk Cousins dancing at NFL Honors https://t.co/JQFxlPPB55 pic.twitter.com/JH1voyBKPi
— TheVikingsWire (@TheVikingsWire) February 10, 2024
Baseball and Basketball Accomplishments
In addition to his success in football, Cousins was also an accomplished baseball player. He played as a third baseman and pitcher, positions that required quick decision-making, agility, and strong hand-eye coordination.
His experience on the diamond further contributed to his athletic development, helping him hone his ability to process information quickly and react under pressure—skills that translated well to his quarterback play.
Family Influence and Strong Values
Cousins’ upbringing in a deeply religious and supportive family played a critical role in shaping his character and approach to both life and sports.
His father, Don Cousins, is a well-known pastor and author, and his mother’s influence also emphasized the importance of faith, integrity, and humility. Cousins often speaks about how his faith helped him overcome challenges and stay grounded throughout his career.
Also Read: Kirk Cousins: NFL Quarterback Education, College Football, Career And More
Kirk Cousins’ Professional Career
Kirk Cousins’ professional career began with a surprising twist during the 2012 NFL Draft. Despite already securing the highly-touted Robert Griffin III as their franchise quarterback with the second overall pick, the Washington Redskins selected Cousins in the fourth round as the 102nd overall pick.
Many analysts and fans were puzzled by this decision, as it appeared Washington had already invested in their future at quarterback. However, this move would eventually prove critical for both Cousins and the franchise.
Early Years with the Washington Redskins
In his rookie season with the Washington Redskins, Cousins found himself serving as the backup to Robert Griffin III (RG3), who had garnered immense attention following his electrifying college career at Baylor and a stellar rookie season in the NFL.
While Cousins’ role was initially limited, circumstances would soon provide him with opportunities to shine.
The RG3 Injury Saga and Cousins’ Emergence
The turning point in Cousins’ career came as RG3’s promising trajectory was derailed by injuries. After a sensational rookie season, Griffin suffered a devastating knee injury during the playoffs, and he struggled to return to his previous form in the following seasons.
Cousins, meanwhile, continued to develop and improve as the backup, gaining invaluable experience in spot starts and relief appearances.
Franchise Tag and Proving Himself as a Starter
- Despite his success in 2015, Washington remained hesitant to commit to Cousins long-term, and the team placed the franchise tag on him for the 2016 season.
- This move essentially made Cousins a “prove-it” player, giving him one year to demonstrate that he was the franchise quarterback they needed.
- In 2016, Cousins responded with another impressive season, throwing for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns, and earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
- He became the first Washington quarterback to post back-to-back 4,000-yard passing seasons. However, Washington failed to make the playoffs with an 8-7-1 record, leaving uncertainty about Cousins’ future.
Kirk Cousins’ Salary: A Closer Look at His Earnings and Contracts
Kirk Cousins, the star quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, has been in the spotlight not just for his performance on the field but also for the groundbreaking contracts he has signed throughout his career.
Cousins is often considered a trailblazer when it comes to negotiating NFL contracts, particularly in the way he has secured fully guaranteed deals, a rarity in the NFL. However, there seems to be some misinformation regarding his recent salary and contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Early Career and Initial NFL Contract
- Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders) in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft as the 102nd overall pick.
- This draft pick was surprising to many, as the Redskins had already selected Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in the same draft, signaling that he was intended to be their franchise quarterback.
- Cousins’ role as the backup to Griffin III was expected to be limited, but as fate would have it, injuries to Griffin gave Cousins an opportunity to showcase his talent.
- During his tenure with the Redskins, Cousins worked his way from being a backup to a starter, showing flashes of brilliance that led Washington to place him under the franchise tag twice in consecutive seasons.
- In both 2016 and 2017, Cousins played under the franchise tag, making $19.9 million in 2016 and $23.9 million in 2017. While the decision to tag Cousins twice raised eyebrows, it allowed him to demonstrate his value and set him up for one of the biggest paydays in NFL history.
The Historic Contract with the Minnesota Vikings
Cousins hit the free-agent market in 2018, where he was the most coveted quarterback available. The Minnesota Vikings, needing a solid quarterback to build around, offered Cousins an unprecedented deal: a fully guaranteed three-year contract worth $84 million.
This was the first fully guaranteed contract of this magnitude in NFL history. Cousins’ $28 million average annual salary instantly made him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
The Two-Year Extension
In 2020, Cousins signed a two-year, $66 million contract extension with the Vikings, once again fully guaranteed. This extension paid Cousins an average annual salary of $33 million, keeping him among the top earners in the NFL.
The deal included a $30 million signing bonus and ensured that Cousins would remain with the Vikings through the 2022 season.
FAQ’S
1. What did Kirk Cousins say about the Eagles’ win during the final drive on Monday Night Football?
Ans: Kirk Cousins admitted that during the nail-biting final drive of the game, he anticipated the Philadelphia Eagles would secure the victory. His statement reflects his recognition of the Eagles’ ability to close out games effectively under pressure.
2. What was the significance of the final drive in the game?
Ans: The final drive was crucial as it determined the outcome of the game, with both teams competing in a tightly contested match. The Eagles’ ability to execute under pressure and secure the win made the drive particularly memorable.
3. How did Kirk Cousins perform during the game?
Ans: Kirk Cousins had a solid performance during the game, but despite his efforts, the Minnesota Vikings were unable to secure a victory. His anticipation of the Eagles’ win suggests he recognized their momentum during the closing moments.
4. What was the reaction to Cousins’ admission about the Eagles’ win?
Ans: Fans and analysts had mixed reactions to Cousins’ admission, with some appreciating his honesty and sportsmanship, while others viewed it as a moment of doubt during a highly competitive game.
5. What impact did this game have on both the Vikings and Eagles?
Ans: The outcome of the game had important implications for both teams’ standings in the season. The Eagles’ victory solidified their strong position, while the Vikings faced a challenging setback that could affect their playoff hopes.
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