Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Jets Awaiting NFL Punishment Decision Over Kirk Cousins Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 5:37 PM ET

The New York Jets survived a thriller against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13.

The score was tied at 7-7 going into halftime, and the Falcons took a 24-17 lead in the fourth quarter as Kirk Cousins connected with David Sills V.

Then, the Jets tied the game on a Tyrod Taylor rushing score with less than two minutes left. Shortly after, Nick Folk played hero as he hit a game-winning 56-yard field goal as time expired to give the Jets the 27-24 win.

The Jets won for just the third time this year, and the Falcons dropped to 4-8, although it was the first loss since Cousins took over as starter following the injury to Michael Penix Jr.

At the start of the third quarter, the Jets were hit with a roughing the passer call in a play involving Cousins.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18). Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cousins connected with Bijan Robinson for a 42-yard completion, but the Falcons QB was taken to the ground by Marcelino McCray-Ball.

He was then issued a roughing the passer call, adding even more yards to a huge play by Atlanta.

Horrendous play by Marcelino McCrary-Ball there. He saw Kirk Cousins step up in the pocket and went after him on a late blitz, but that left Bijan Robinson wide open for a massive gain. On top of that, he was flagged for a roughing the passer on the hit. A huge swing against the…
— James Gruter (@gruter_james) November 30, 2025

Now, the Jets will likely wait to hear a decision from the league on whether or not McCracy-Ball will be fined for the play.

According to the NFL rulebook, roughing the passer is defined as an unwarranted physical act against a player in a passing posture. It carries a potential fine of $17,389 for a first offense and $23,186 for a second offense.

McCrary-Ball also drew attention for drawing a taunting penalty.

"There's a fine line between being hyped and energized and just being...dumb"

- Jonathan Vilma on Marcelino McCrary-Ball drawing his second flag of the day for this...celebration? pic.twitter.com/aKfMQsKtmK
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) November 30, 2025