Kirk Cousins Leads Falcons to Thrilling Overtime Victory Over Buccaneers in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA – In an exhilarating matchup on Thursday Night Football, Kirk Cousins delivered a stellar performance, throwing for a **_career-high 509 yards_** and four touchdowns, as the Atlanta Falcons edged out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a final score of 36-30 in overtime.
The game concluded dramatically with Younghoe Koo kicking a **_game-tying 52-yard field goal_** as time expired in regulation, setting up the thrilling overtime period. Cousins, showing remarkable poise, led a **_46-yard drive_** in just over a minute with no timeouts left on the clock. After winning the coin toss, Cousins found KhaDarel Hodge for a **_45-yard touchdown_**, sealing the victory on the fourth play of the extra period.
Hodge emerged as the **_unsung hero_** for the Falcons, making crucial plays when needed the most. Earlier in the season, he had already scored a touchdown by recovering a muffed punt against the Saints. This win marked only the second receiving touchdown of his career, making this moment even sweeter for the undrafted player that started his journey in Mississippi.
Alongside Cousins’ exceptional display, other Falcons also shined. Darnell Mooney made a significant impact, catching nine passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns, further proving to be a vital part of the team’s offense. Tight end Kyle Pitts rebounded with a strong performance, notching seven receptions for 88 yards, showing why he was such a highly regarded prospect.
On the other side, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield had an impressive outing as well, completing 79.2 percent of his passes for three touchdowns. However, it was Cousins who outshined him in the passing yard department by a staggering 329 yards.
As the game progressed, the Falcons managed to tighten their defense, limiting Tampa Bay to just six points in the second half after allowing 24 points in the first. This turnaround was pivotal in Atlanta’s dramatic comeback victory.
With their record now sitting at **_3-2_**, the Falcons have pulled into a tie for first place in the NFC South, showcasing their resilience and determination. This thrilling game not only highlighted Kirk Cousins’ abilities as a top-tier quarterback but also solidified KhaDarel Hodge’s place as a dependable target in crucial situations.
This unforgettable night in Atlanta, with Cousins breaking a long-standing Falcons record for passing yards in a single game, leaves fans excited for what lies ahead this season.
