Kirk Cousins reveals what needs to happen for Falcons to clinch a playoff spot

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins likes where the team is after the first four games of the season. But can the Falcons make a run and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017?

On3 spoke to Cousins about the Falcons’ outlook for the rest of the year, and he revealed what they need to do to reach their goals. “I think it’s just all about executing play-in and play-out, week-in and week-out, just coming back to work each day with the focus and all the discipline you need to be able to not just make it a one-week or two-week thing, but to be able to have that consistency of production all season long,” Kirk Cousins told On3.

“And I think we have the guys and the coaching staff to be able to do that. And we’ve got to use this bye-week strategically to be fresh and ready to go, because when we get back, we have a real gauntlet of games, starting with the Bills and then going on the road to the Niners. So a lot of good football teams lie ahead for us, but we’re a good football team too, and that’s what makes the NFL so great.”

Kirk Cousins and Falcons are getting ready for the long remaining schedule

The Falcons are currently 2-2 and had their bye last week. They will return to action on Monday night when they take on the Buffalo Bills. Of the Falcons’ next 13 games, seven are on the road, and one of those games will be played in Germany (Nov. 9, vs. Indianapolis Colts). If the Falcons want to reach the postseason, they will likely need to win at least nine of their next 13 games.

Cousins was the Falcons’ starting QB for 14 of 17 games last season before Michael Penix Jr. took over. When Cousins was QB1, the Falcons had a 7-7 record. Atlanta then lost the next two of three games to go 8-9 and miss the postseason.

This year, Cosuins is the backup QB for Penix, who has thrown for 918 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in four games. The four-time Pro Bowl QB saw limited action in the Falcons’ 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers, completing five of seven passes for 29 yards.