- test - October 2, 2025
- Respect Their Elders – The 2025 NFC South Preview - September 2, 2025
- It Was Redemption For Nathan Carter Despite Loss To Titans - August 16, 2025
Flowery Branch, Ga – With only four practices completed during Training Camp, the Atlanta Falcons’ appreciation for backup quarterback Kirk Cousins runs deep.
After naming Michael Penix Jr. the starting quarterback moving forward, there was a lot of speculation on if Cousins will be here for training camp or even be ready to participate during practice. He’s not only been able to play but he’s been a jewel for the No. 1 defense.
Usually in training camp, the No. 1 offense goes up against the No. 2 defense and vice versa. With Cousins serving as the backup quarterback, the defense, including standout linebacker Kaden Ellis, believes they are getting more than just regular practice reps.
“He’s a special player and his processing, his accuracy and just his ability to switch it up,” stated Ellis. “He’s playing a game out there, we’re not just getting practice reps. It’s not like the guy is a second team [player] that’s just trying to remember what his plays are, he’s deep in it.”
Cousins started 4-5 in practice while moving the ball against the first-team defense. This has been going on all camp.
“Second day, he comes out the first couple periods, he’s just like hitting quick, on rhythm, fast, speed like we’re in the middle of December,” said Ellis. “Any day we don’t bring our game, he will pick us apart.”
It’s not just the veterans that are benefitting from it but it’s the rookies and young guys that get to play with the first team defense who are getting golden opportunities to practice against a professional veteran.
“To continue to go against that guy, the cerebral approach that he takes towards the game, obviously for a young guy to see the pocket presence and the way he goes about it, obviously that’s invaluable,” explained linebackers coach Jacquies Smith.
The future remains in question as far as if Cousins get traded or even get some action with the Falcons this year, but the defense are taking advantage of every lesson and rep they get with him.
