Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons’ Kirk Cousins named NFC offensive player of the week

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) smiles as he leaves the field after throwing the winning-game pass to win the game Atlanta Falcons wide receiver during overtime of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Falcons won 36-30. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) smiles as he leaves the field after throwing the winning-game pass to win the game Atlanta Falcons wide receiver during overtime of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Falcons won 36-30. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)
By
Oct 9, 2024

FLOWERY BRANCH — After passing for a franchise-record 509 yards, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was named the NFC offensive player of the week for Week 5 by the NFL.

Cousins set franchise records and career bests in completions (42) and passing yards (509). He completed 42 of 58 passes (72.4%) and tied his career high with four touchdowns in the 36-30 overtime win Thursday against the Buccaneers.

Cousins became the first quarterback in league history to pass for 450 or more yards in a game for three teams. He also eclipsed that mark with Washington and Minnesota.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

Follow D. Orlando Ledbetter on facebookFollow D. Orlando Ledbetter on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass just short of the end zone in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Anthony Souffle/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS)

Credit: TNS

Falcons secondary was torched by Vikings last season, on hot seat Sunday

Last season, the Vikings-Falcons score was 21-21 heading into the fourth quarter. Then stuff happened.

KEN SUGIURA

Defense, kicking, plus other thoughts and observations from Falcons’ win

It wasn’t just the score, but the way the Falcons pulled off an unlikely win over Vikings.

Falcons’ report card: Four rookies on defense came through with big plays

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. returned to practice Thursday after suffering a groin injury. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Falcons injury report: James Pearce Jr. returns to practice

Falcons staying patient, keeping deep-passing attack on deck

Dirty Bird Dispatch: Looking for electricity on offense

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Police abandoned area where 8-year-old was shot, detective testifies

The testimony came as trial began for Julian Conley, the man accused of fatally shooting the child near the burned-down Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was killed weeks earlier.

Emory giving free tuition to students from families making under $200,000

Starting next academic year, Emory University will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000, a move that could help hundreds of students.

Weekend Predictions: Another winning weekend for Falcons, Georgia Tech?

Weekend Predictions is off to a hot start. But will wins by the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech and Georgia State keep this streak alive?