Atlanta's pass rush showed life, but the secondary got burned. The pass blocking held up, but Kyle Pitts had another disappointing season.

The Minnesota Vikings dodged the mess that former starting quarterback Kirk Cousins is now navigating with the Atlanta Falco.

And the Falcons are locked in a world of complications. Atlanta benched Cousins after Week 15, a move made after the 36-year-old veteran threw only one touchdown to nine interceptions in his final five starts.

The Falcons are supposedly OK with a $180 million backup quarterback. Atlanta general manager Terry Fontenot said the franchise is “comfortable” with keeping Kirk Cousins on as the No. 2 behind Michael Penix Jr. in 2025.

Kirk Cousins’ future hangs in the balance. Whilst rumors have floated around about his future, surrounding potential trades, the front office have downplayed notions of Cousins’ impending departure, insisting – somewhat curiously – that they would be happy for him to stick around on the team.

Good thing Michael Penix Jr. is playing on a rookie contract because Cousins will be expensive for the Falcons no matter where he plays.

Could Kirk Cousins reunite with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland? Here's why this rumor has people talking-and why you shouldn't believe it just yet.

Kirk Cousins and the defense. They will have to explore ways of getting rid of the veteran while supporting their franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.