Kirk Cousins is helping the Atlanta Falcons improve. The Falcons (3-2) aim for their third win in a row against NFC South rivals when they face the struggling, injury-hit Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Atlanta recently secured narrow victories against the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, thanks to Cousins, who has found his rhythm after a slow start this season.
The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback set a franchise record by throwing for 509 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-30 win over the Buccaneers last week, bringing the Falcons to a tie for first place in their division.
This week, he will take on a Panthers defense that is allowing the most points in the league at 33 per game and has given up 20 touchdowns.
Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett shared that the team feels confident after starting 2-0 in the division.
“I’m not shy about saying that,” Jarrett said. “I’m excited to be in the position that we are going forward, being in the driver’s seat. But I’m also even more excited because … we continue to get better every week. And that’s the sweet part about it.”
The Panthers (1-4) are struggling after a 36-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, marking their third blowout this season.
After finishing last season with a league-worst 2-15 record, Carolina was already lacking depth and has now lost defensive end Derrick Brown, linebacker Shaq Thompson, and center Austin Corbett to season-ending injuries. Additionally, receiver Adam Thielen is on injured reserve, and tight end Tommy Tremble is in the concussion protocol.
Even right tackle Taylor Moton, who has played 120 straight games since being drafted, will miss his first game on Sunday due to a triceps injury.
First-year coach Dave Canales is working to keep his players motivated and avoid a negative mindset for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017.
Running back Chuba Hubbard mentioned that Canales’ positive attitude has been encouraging.
“Honestly, I have probably never met somebody so positive in my life,” Hubbard said. “He has a great outlook on the big picture. Even when things aren’t going your way, he reminds us to trust the process, and we will get there. And we believe in that.”
