PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kirk Cousins showed why Atlantainvested $180 million in him, leading a flawless last-minute drive thatculminated in a 7-yard touchdown pass to Drake London, securing a thrilling22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.
After a shaky opener, Cousins dispelled concerns with his clutch performance. Down 21-15 with just over a minute left, Cousins orchestrated a rapid drive, going 5-for-6 for 70 yards. He connected with London for the game-tying touchdown with 34 seconds remaining. A 48-yard extra point from Younghoe Koo, following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on London, gave the Falcons the lead.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris praised Cousins, saying, "He delivered in the biggest moments when we needed him most. That's why he's here."
Cousins, in just his second game after returning from an Achilles tendon injury, proved resilient. On the decisive drive, he found Darnell Mooney for gains of 21 and 26 yards, setting up the touchdown to London, who beat Eagles cornerback Darius Slay.
The Eagles had a chance to ice the game earlier when Saquon Barkley dropped a short pass that would have sealed a first down. Instead, Philadelphia settled for a field goal, leaving time for Cousins to mount his game-winning drive.
Jalen Hurts, who finished 23-of-30 for 183 yards and a touchdown, had his final pass intercepted by Jessie Bates III, sealing Atlanta’s victory and igniting celebrations on the Falcons' sideline.
Hurts' 1-yard touchdown run had put the Eagles ahead 21-15 with 6:47 remaining, but the Falcons capitalized on Barkley's drop and the Eagles' soft defensive coverage. Barkley had 95 rushing yards in his Philadelphia debut.
Cousins completed the game with 241 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard strike to Mooney earlier in the game. Mooney, who finished with 88 yards on three catches, delivered big plays when Atlanta needed them most.
"These tight games can define a season," Cousins said. "When you find a way to win, it can change everything."
The Eagles struggled to capitalize in key moments, with Jake Elliott's two field goals not enough to secure the win. Hurts found DeVonta Smith for a 7-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but without top receiver A.J. Brown, Philadelphia's offense lacked explosive plays.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni admitted the loss was a collective failure. "They made more plays than we did down the stretch," Sirianni said. "That’s on all of us—coaches and players."
Atlanta improves to 1-1, while Philadelphia falls to 1-1 on the season. Read more....
