## Kirk Cousins’ Record on Monday Night Football: A Closer Look
The Atlanta Falcons are set to take the field for a “Monday Night Football” game today, marking their first appearance in the prestigious time slot since 2020. However, this occasion prompts a discussion about Kirk Cousins’ performance on Monday nights throughout his career. The statistics reveal that Cousins has struggled in this spotlight, with a record of 3-10 in “Monday Night Football” games.
In a recent interview, Cousins acknowledged his less-than-stellar record but maintained that his performance remains consistent regardless of the day of the week. He stated, “I’m not really playing any different. I’m still the same quarterback.” While Cousins’ film review supports his claim to some extent, the numbers tell a slightly different story.
When comparing his Monday night performances to games played on other days of the week, several statistics show a slight decline. Cousins’ yards per game drop from 263.6 to 250.2, yards per attempt decrease from 7.7 to 6.9, completion percentage dips from 67.1% to 64.6%, and touchdowns per game diminish from 1.8 to 1.5. Perhaps the most significant discrepancy lies in his passer rating, which falls from 99 to 87.3 on Monday nights.
One notable exception to these slightly worse numbers is Cousins’ overall efficiency, as measured by EPA (Expected Points Added) per attempt. On Monday nights, his efficiency rating stands at .06, while it rises to .21 on other days of the week, according to TruMedia. This suggests that Cousins’ impact on the game may not be as substantial when playing on Monday nights.
Cousins acknowledges the challenge of facing strong opponents on Monday nights, saying, “You’re playing good football teams on Monday night, and you have to face those challenges.” The increased level of competition may contribute to his struggles in this particular time slot.
Despite his past difficulties, Cousins has an opportunity to defy expectations and achieve a significant milestone in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He needs 374 passing yards to tie Drew Brees as the third-fastest player to reach 40,000 passing yards, accomplishing this feat in just 152 games. The only players to have reached this milestone faster are Matthew Stafford (147 games) and Matt Ryan (151 games).
As the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins prepare for their “Monday Night Football” matchup, all eyes will be on the quarterback to see if he can overcome his record and deliver a standout performance. The outcome of this game could not only impact his personal statistics but also provide insight into his ability to rise to the occasion on a nationally televised stage.
In conclusion, while Kirk Cousins may claim that he approaches each game with the same consistency, the statistics suggest that his performance on Monday nights is slightly inferior. However, as with any athlete, past performance does not dictate future success, and Cousins has an opportunity to redefine his narrative. The upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles presents a chance for Cousins to not only silence his critics but also join the ranks of the NFL’s passing elite.