For the second time this season, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins dominated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joining some rare Hall of Fame company.
Cousins passed for 276 yards (23-of-29) with four touchdowns and zero interceptions in the Falcons’ 31-26 victory on Sunday. Over two meetings against the NFC South rival this season, he’s completed 74.7% (65-of-87) of his passes, throwing for 785 yards and eight touchdowns.
According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, Cousins is only the fourth quarterback since 1948 to record at least 750 passing yards and eight touchdowns against one opponent in a single season. He joins Hall of Famers Joe Montana (vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1990), Dan Marino (vs. New York Jets, 1988) and Y.A. Tittle (vs. Washington, 1962).
If only Cousins could play the Buccaneers every week.
Taking on Tampa Bay, he’s averaged 392 yards, passing for eight touchdowns and just one interception. Against everyone else, he’s posted a 65.2 completion percentage (120-of-184), averaging 220 yards per game (1,321) with six touchdowns and six interceptions.
Regardless, Cousins’ performance on Sunday has put the Falcons in the driver’s seat atop the NFC South. Following the victory over the Buccaneers, Atlanta improved to 4-0 against the division and 5-3 overall.
Meanwhile, after a feeling-out process with his new team, Cousins sounds more confident about the Falcons’ chances moving forward.
“To go on the road against a really good football team, a playoff-caliber team, and get a win was a step in the right direction,” Cousins told Pam Oliver of Fox Sports.