NE Atlanta News

Kirk Cousins has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week following a remarkable performance in Week 5, as announced by the NFL on Wednesday. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback achieved a career-high with 509 passing yards, setting a new franchise record. He also threw four touchdowns, including a decisive 45-yard pass to KhaDarel Hodge in overtime, securing a 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hodge commented on Cousins' performance: "I was on the sideline when I wasn't in, so I started watching the show myself. I was like, 'Oh, he hot tonight.' I said, 'They let him get in the groove.' He got in the groove ... he took over tonight, and that's big time."

Cousins had previously surpassed 400 passing yards eight times during his 13-year NFL career but had never reached the 500-yard mark until now. Matt Ryan is the only other Falcons quarterback to have thrown for more than 500 yards in a single game (503), coincidentally being inducted into the Falcons' Ring of Honor that same night.

This season, Cousins ranks fifth in passing yards and leads with three comeback wins. Over five games this season, he has accumulated 1,373 yards and eight touchdowns with a completion rate of 67.2%. He is projected to surpass 4,500 passing yards this season—a milestone he has only achieved twice before.

This marks the third instance this season where a Falcon player has received Player of the Week honors; safety Jessie Bates III and inside linebacker Troy Andersen were recognized for their defensive performances earlier. Cousins is Atlanta's first offensive player to receive this recognition since 2022 and his first such honor since that year as well—his eighth overall.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris praised Cousins: "He has been outstanding," Morris said. "... His ability to get better and better every single week has been exactly what you've wanted from a coaching standpoint."