Atlanta Falcons Turn to Kirk Cousins: Will It Finally Click in 2025?

A Franchise Searching for Stability

The Atlanta Falcons have spent the last half-decade in a whirlwind of coaching changes, quarterback struggles, and playoff absences. After the departure of franchise icon Matt Ryan, the Falcons cycled through a carousel of quarterbacks and struggled to establish an offensive identity. But in 2025, that uncertainty has been replaced by one bold move: signing Kirk Cousins, a proven NFL veteran, to bring leadership, stability, and production to a team desperate to win now.

Cousins arrives with big expectations and an even bigger opportunity. Surrounded by elite young talent and operating under new head coach Raheem Morris, Cousins could be the missing piece in Atlanta’s playoff puzzle.

But the question remains: Will it finally click for the Falcons in 2025?

Kirk Cousins in Atlanta: The Right Fit at the Right Time?

A Proven Quarterback with Something to Prove

Kirk Cousins, entering his age-37 season, is a veteran of over a decade in the league. Despite impressive numbers throughout his career—including multiple 4,000-yard seasons, Pro Bowl nods, and playoff appearances—he’s often been labeled a quarterback who “can’t win the big one.”

His 2024 campaign was cut short by an Achilles injury while with the Vikings. But before the setback, Cousins was playing some of the best football of his career. Atlanta believed in his recovery enough to sign him to a 4-year, $180 million deal—an aggressive commitment that signals win-now mode.

Why Cousins Fits the Falcons

Cousins thrives in:

• Play-action schemes
• Clean pockets
• Strong run support
• Quick, precise route combinations

Luckily for him, Atlanta offers all of those. With a rebuilt offensive line, a deep running back room, and pass catchers like Drake London and Kyle Pitts, Cousins walks into one of the most balanced offenses he’s ever had.

Raheem Morris Returns: Defensive Roots, Offensive Vision

Leadership With Experience

After serving as defensive coordinator for the Rams, Raheem Morris returns to Atlanta as head coach—a franchise he knows well. Morris brings:

• Super Bowl pedigree from L.A.
• Leadership experience as a former head coach (Tampa Bay, interim Atlanta)
• A player’s coach mentality that resonates in the locker room

Morris isn’t just managing games—he’s reshaping the culture.

Zac Robinson: The Offensive Architect

Morris brought along Zac Robinson, a rising offensive mind and protégé of Sean McVay. Robinson is tasked with building a modern West Coast offense around Cousins. Early reports indicate:

• Pre-snap motion and shifts
• Play-action boots
• Quick-game emphasis
• Deep shots to punish stacking the box

This is the most quarterback-friendly scheme Atlanta has had in years.

Offensive Arsenal: Youth Meets Experience

Bijan Robinson: Engine of the Offense

After a strong rookie year, Bijan Robinson is poised to become the centerpiece of the Falcons’ attack. With Cousins under center, Robinson can thrive as:

• A between-the-tackles bruiser
• A versatile receiver out of the backfield
• A red-zone weapon with elite vision

Expect Robinson to be a top-5 NFL back in both rushing and receiving yards.

Drake London: Ascending WR1

Drake London is entering his prime and finally has a quarterback who can consistently get him the ball. His 2024 stats:

• 82 receptions
• 1,122 yards
• 7 TDs

With Cousins’ precision and willingness to throw contested passes, London could take another leap into Pro Bowl territory.

Kyle Pitts: Unlocking the Mismatch Nightmare

Kyle Pitts has had a rollercoaster career due to poor quarterback play. 2025 is his best opportunity yet to:

• Line up in the slot, out wide, and in-line
• Take advantage of linebacker mismatches
• Become a red zone monster

Cousins loved targeting tight ends in Minnesota (e.g., Hockenson, Rudolph), and Pitts could become his go-to option in high-leverage situations.

Darnell Mooney: Speed and Separation

Signed in free agency, Darnell Mooney gives Cousins a legitimate deep threat. His speed opens up underneath routes for Pitts and London.

Offensive Line: Protection and Push

Cousins is at his best when protected—and Atlanta’s offensive line is ready to deliver.

• Jake Matthews (LT) – Veteran anchor
• Matthew Bergeron (LG) – Promising young blocker
• Drew Dalman (C) – Smart and reliable
• Chris Lindstrom (RG) – One of the best guards in the NFL
• Kaleb McGary (RT) – Powerful run blocker

This line excels in zone run concepts and gives Cousins the time needed to dissect defenses.

Defensive Upgrades Under Morris

Building an Identity on Defense

Raheem Morris’ background as a defensive coach is already showing. The Falcons focused their offseason on creating a defense that is:

• Fast
• Physical
• Opportunistic

Key Players on Defense

• A.J. Terrell (CB) – True shutdown corner
• Jessie Bates III (S) – Veteran ballhawk and team leader
• Arnold Ebiketie (EDGE) – Emerging pass rusher
• Grady Jarrett (DT) – Still disruptive when healthy
• Troy Andersen (LB) – Athletic and versatile
• Brandon Dorlus (Rookie EDGE) – High-upside rotational rusher

Morris wants this group to create pressure without heavy blitzing and force turnovers—a recipe for winning in today’s NFL.

Special Teams and Depth

• Younghoe Koo (K) – One of the league’s most accurate kickers
• Bradley Pinion (P) – Reliable with great hang time
• Return Game – Bijan Robinson and Mooney can both contribute to explosive returns

Special teams are stable, which is crucial in close games.

Schedule Breakdown: Key Games in 2025

1. Week 1 at Panthers – Cousins’ debut in division
2. Week 3 vs. Eagles – NFC measuring stick
3. Week 6 vs. Saints – Classic rivalry game
4. Week 12 at Buccaneers – Could decide NFC South lead
5. Week 17 vs. Cowboys – Potential playoff implications

Atlanta’s schedule is favorable compared to many NFC contenders, especially if Cousins hits the ground running.

Realistic Goals and Expectations

Team Goals:

• 10+ wins
• NFC South title
• Home playoff game for the first time since 2016

Individual Goals:

• Kirk Cousins: 4,500+ passing yards, 30+ TDs, <10 INTs
• Bijan Robinson: 1,500+ total yards
• London/Pitts: 1,000+ yards each
• Defense: Top 12 in points allowed

This is the most talented roster Cousins has played with—and the most balanced Falcons team in years.

Long-Term Strategy: Compete Now, Build Later

Despite going all-in on Cousins, Atlanta has also:

• Drafted smart (Odunze, Dorlus)
• Kept cap flexibility
• Retained young core players
• Built depth at key positions

This isn’t a one-year window. The Falcons are positioning themselves to compete annually—with Cousins as the veteran centerpiece.

Will It Finally Click?

The Atlanta Falcons of 2025 are not the Falcons of the past. They are:

• Quarterback stable
• Offensively explosive
• Defensively competent
• Culturally united

For years, Kirk Cousins has been viewed as a “good but not great” quarterback. In Atlanta, he might finally shed that label—especially if he leads the team to a deep playoff run.

With Calm leadership, elite weapons, solid protection, and an innovative coaching staff, the Falcons are primed to rise. For Cousins, this is the ultimate shot at rewriting his legacy.

Atlanta has turned to Kirk Cousins. Now it’s time to see if it finally clicks.