Even with Michael Penix Jr. sidelined by an injury, the Atlanta Falcons were heavy favorites to dominate the Miami Dolphins at home. Instead, the offense sputtered, putting up just 65 total yards and a mere three points in the first half.
With Kirk Cousins at the helm, the team trailed by two scores, leaving fans stunned and angry.
Why Did Falcons Fans Turn on Kirk Cousins So Quickly?
Cousins, making his first start of the 2025-26 season and his first appearance since being benched last year, struggled to build momentum in the first 30 minutes of play. The offense looked stagnant, and the scoreboard reflected a team in disarray.
As a result, fans immediately flooded social media with fiery criticism and hot takes about his subpar performance. This lackluster showing ignited a firestorm of online reactions.
Here are some of the best reactions: “With Kirk Cousins probably be the only 3 points of the game. Shaking my head,” one fan said.
With Kirk Cousins probably be the only 3 points of the game. Shaking my head
— Stephen Bessinger (@bes55918) October 26, 2025
“Kirk Cousins is garbage man,” another one added.
Kirk Cousins is garbage man
— Ty (@Eyeof__TygerV4) October 26, 2025
“The Falcons start Kirk Cousins at quarterback and all of a sudden they forget how to the run the ball with Bijan,” one fan pointed out.
The Falcons start Kirk Cousins at quarterback and all of a sudden they forget how to the run the ball with Bijan…
— Don Jesus (@DonJesus8) October 26, 2025
“Kirk cousins got to be gambling,” another one joked.
“Pls get Kirk cousins off my field,” another fan said.
Pls get Kirk cousins off my field
— Bricequiat🔮🃏 (@_sheloveb) October 26, 2025
“Kirk cousins is so washed,” one fan sentenced.
“Kirk cousins may be broken forever,” another one lamented.
“Kirk cousins losing to the worst team in football,” another fan said.
Statistically, the former Minnesota Vikings star completed six of eight passes for 53 yards and was sacked once in the first half. While those numbers aren’t as terrible as the social media commentary suggests, being down 17-3 to a team with a 1-6 record is far from encouraging for the Falcons.
Cousins did not look comfortable in his first game under coach Raheem Morris’ guidance, but the issues were not entirely his fault. He has historically been more effective in an RPO-based offense, yet Atlanta’s scheme positioned him more as a traditional pocket passer. With the trade deadline just over a week away, this performance was a missed opportunity for Cousins to prove to other teams that he still has plenty left in the tank.
