ATL Standard

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Rewinding quarterback Kirk Cousins' career tape to 2012-13 reveals that the Atlanta Falcons' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday is less concerning. Cousins has previously lined up in pistol with a square stance; Week 1 was not his first attempt, nor did it relate to his recovery from an Achilles tear in 2023.

A square stance is how Cousins began his career with the Washington Commanders as a backup to Robert Griffin III, operating in a pistol formation. Given that this was over a decade ago, Cousins needed a refresher when considering running the Falcons' offense out of the formation back in April.

"I watched some tape of Peyton Manning, who, when he was in the pistol, had some success with it," Cousins said Thursday. "He was in kind of a square stance; thought he looked pretty comfortable, had good rhythm to it. I thought, 'I'm going to try that.'"

Cousins explained that he believes the square stance is advantageous in pistol because it opens him up more than his usual right-foot-forward position, making it easier and quicker to hand off the ball to a running back on either side. Additionally, it ensures his back isn't turned to the defense as long.

"The Achilles feels good," Cousins said. "I feel like I can move and push as I normally would."

In Sunday's game against the Steelers, Cousins completed 16 of his 26 passes for 155 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown. He was sacked twice and hit seven times but reported feeling fine apart from normal neck stiffness.

Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson supported Cousins' health status amid questions about play-calling decisions.

"Certainly not concerned with Kirk's mobility at all," Robinson said. "He's looked great out there. He's moving around really well today. So, no concerns at all."

Robinson's experience with the Los Angeles Rams influenced the Falcons' decision to operate primarily out of pistol last Sunday. According to Next Gen Stats, the Rams ran more plays out of pistol (62.2%) compared to the Falcons (53.1%).

"That was something that last year with the Rams we realized like man, you really have kind of everything at your disposal because you're in the dot; you kind of have your play pass; you have everything; you have your drop-back pass still intact there," Robinson said. "So I like what the versatility of the pistol does bring. But again we'll continue to mix it and it'll be based on a week-to-week basis."

With one game down and sixteen remaining, it's crucial for Cousins and Robinson to maintain perspective as they aim for improvement before their next game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

"Those guys are going to get better with each other," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said regarding Cousins and Robinson's collaboration. "The thing I loved about it is the accountability of both... Both of those guys took accountability, myself included... We've got to go find a way to win."