Kirk Cousins led a flawless last-minute drive for Atlanta and related with Drake London for a seven-yard landing with 34 seconds left to offer the Falcons a 22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday evening.
Saquon Barkley dropped a brief move that stopped the clock with 1:46 left and compelled the Eagles to accept a discipline aim as an alternative of a game-sealing first down. That was loads of time for Cousins – particularly in opposition to an Eagles protection taking part in comfortable protection with a nonexistent move rush.
The 36-year-old veteran, taking part in his second sport since tearing his achilles tendon final October whereas taking part in for Minnesota, shook off an uneven effort and hit Darnell Mooney for 21 and 26 yards on consecutive performs throughout the remaining drive.
Cousins discovered London on a brief move to his proper for the tying rating, and Younghoe Koo put Atlanta (1-1) on high with a 48-yard further level after London was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“I’m nonetheless not sharp sufficient. I didn’t really feel like I used to be sharp sufficient in the present day, correct sufficient,” Cousins mentioned after the sport. “I’ve to be higher. However that final drive can hopefully give us a lift going into subsequent week and we are able to construct on that. I used to be happy with the way in which we completed tonight however there’s nonetheless a lot to be higher with.”
Jalen Hurts had his remaining move intercepted by Jessie Bates III to seal Atlanta’s win and set off a wild celebration on the sideline.
The Eagles (1-1) went forward on Hurts’ one-yard tush push rating with 6:47 left. Barkley completed with 95 yards on 22 carries in his residence debut for Philadelphia, however his drop supplied the Falcons with some hope. After which Cousins began taking part in just like the QB Atlanta thought they had been getting once they signed him to a four-year, $180m contract.
