Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​​​is used to criticism at this point in his career. Regardless of what the numbers or talent around him suggest, the quarterback is an easy target. He didn’t come into the league with the draft pedigree of Trevor Lawrence or Justin Herbert. Cousins ​​​​has been questioned and overlooked throughout his career.

Leaving Minnesota for Atlanta didn’t change that, or the way Cousins ​​is covered in much of the sports media. But Monday’s final drive gave the world a glimpse of his prowess, leaving pundits with no choice but to praise the veteran quarterback for doing exactly what many had suggested was never possible.

The Atlanta Falcons beating the Eagles as underdogs was a defining moment for the season and Kirk Cousins. It put an end to the calls for Penix and any suggestions that his career might be over. It was clear that Kirk’s talent is still there, but it’s just rust and learning a new offense that’s keeping the quarterback from the expected results.

The manner in which he won in primetime changed the conversation, and that could continue into Week 3. If Cousins ​​does the impossible and beats Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, giving the quarterback back-to-back primetime wins over playoff teams, the debate and narrative about Penix and Kirk’s primetime woes will be over.

Beating the Chiefs nationally is an announcement that the Falcons are not only a genuine playoff contender, but also a reminder of how underrated Kirk Cousins ​​has consistently been. As unlikely as the upset was, the same was said prior to the Eagles game. Perhaps Cousins ​​can once again find some primetime magic that will finally put an end to all calls for Penix this season and silence a league that has consistently doubted him.