ATL Standard

Kirk Cousins, the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, addressed his team before their Week 8 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This followed a disappointing loss to the Seattle Seahawks, which was described as a complete team loss for Atlanta. Cousins had previously spoken with head coach Raheem Morris and requested to address the team.

Although Cousins kept most of his message private, he shared with reporters after the Falcons' 31-26 victory over the Buccaneers that he emphasized resilience. "Tough times don't last, tough people do," Cousins said. He encouraged his teammates to stay focused and aim for victories.

Falcons safety Jessie Bates III noted that Cousins' message about fighting complacency resonated with the team as they prepared for their upcoming bye week in Week 12. Bates recalled Cousins urging them to "take over" the middle part of their season and be intentional in their efforts.

Following a previous loss to the Seahawks, Cousins believed such performances could galvanize a team. He took it upon himself to communicate this challenge to his teammates. "This league will beat you up and test you every day," Cousins stated, adding that sometimes he needed encouragement himself.

The Falcons managed to secure a win against Tampa Bay in a closely contested game. Cousins' leadership was evident both on and off the field as he compiled impressive statistics against the Buccaneers this season, including eight touchdowns and 785 passing yards over two games.

Bates mentioned an increased urgency during preparation due to facing a divisional opponent like Tampa Bay, who had been NFC South champions for three consecutive years. The Falcons aimed to take control from them and succeeded in doing so as a team.

Looking ahead, Bates expressed determination by stating, "We gotta go take two more," referring to upcoming games against division rivals Saints and Panthers. After defeating Tampa Bay twice within a month, Cousins remarked that Sunday's victory was just the beginning of their journey forward: "Today was just the first step in the way we're trying to go."