In one of the most electrifying Thursday Night Football matchups of the 2024 season, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins delivered a career-high 509 passing yards and four touchdowns, including a 45-yard overtime strike to KhaDarel Hodge that sealed a dramatic 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Falcons, now 3-2 on the season, found themselves in a wild fourth quarter, which included a blocked field goal, a costly fumble, and a crucial interception. Cousins, who had faced scrutiny for a sluggish start to the season after signing a massive free-agent deal worth $100 million in guaranteed money, rose to the occasion under immense pressure. The Falcons trailed 30-27 with just 1:14 left in regulation, no timeouts, and the ball at their own 20-yard line.
Undeterred, Cousins engineered a clutch drive, completing five consecutive passes to move the Falcons to Tampa Bay’s 29-yard line. With time running out, Cousins hustled to the line to spike the ball, but confusion ensued, leading to a delay of game penalty. Even with the five-yard setback, Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo remained unfazed, nailing a 52-yard field goal as time expired, sending the game into overtime. This followed Koo’s game-winning 58-yarder the previous week against New Orleans.
In overtime, the Falcons won the coin toss, and Cousins made sure Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield wouldn’t touch the ball again. He connected with wide receiver Drake London for key gains before finding KhaDarel Hodge for the game-winning 45-yard touchdown. Hodge broke a tackle near the 40-yard line, weaved through the Buccaneers’ secondary, and raced into the end zone to cap a thrilling victory.
Cousins’ four touchdown passes tied a career-high, while his 509 passing yards shattered his previous personal best of 460, set while playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. In breaking Matt Ryan’s franchise record of 503 passing yards in a game, Cousins further endeared himself to Falcons fans, many of whom were already celebrating the induction of Ryan into Atlanta’s Ring of Honor during the game.
The performance not only highlighted Cousins’ ability to rise in high-pressure situations but also etched his name in NFL history. Only 14 quarterbacks have thrown for more yards in a single game, with Norm Van Brocklin’s 554-yard record from 1951 still standing. But for one night in Atlanta, Cousins was the star, dancing to “Swag Surfin’” alongside his teammates as the postgame celebration echoed through Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With this victory, the Falcons not only improved their record but also established themselves as serious contenders in the NFC South, riding the momentum of back-to-back thrilling victories. For Cousins, the night was a clear turning point in his tenure with the Falcons, signaling that he’s ready to embrace the pressure of living up to his blockbuster contract. As long as he keeps delivering in crunch time, Atlanta fans will keep cheering.
