Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman recently appeared on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) and previewed the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dallas is 3-4 coming into this game after losing 30-24 to the San Francisco 49ers last week. The upcoming fixture against the Falcons is a must-win game for them, as a loss will complicate Dallas’ road to the playoffs.
Troy Aikman Praises Kirk Cousins and Other Falcons Players
Aikman has been impressed by the things Kirk Cousins has been able to do since arriving in Atlanta. The 36-year-old quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Falcons this past offseason and has led the team to a 5-3 start to this point.
“I just feel that that’s a team that has gained momentum as the season has gone along,” said Aikman. “They’re playing really good football, they’re confident, and they’ve got a veteran quarterback who’s playing well and has settled in.
“I think he’s being asked to do what he’s been doing for the most part everywhere that he’s played. It’s pretty much within the same system that comes off this Mike Shanahan tree, and Zac Robinson is now the offensive coordinator, the first-time offensive coordinator in Atlanta. He was finding his way earlier in the year, but they seem to have it going well, and they’ve got really good players.”
Aikman also mentioned Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson as the two players who could make a big impact in the game against the Cowboys.
Pitts scored two touchdowns last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he’ll be determined to put on a show against the Cowboys. Robinson played at Texas during his collegiate career and was often linked to being drafted by Dallas. The Cowboys’ defense is allowing 154.6 rushing yards per game this season, and the Falcons’ RB has the ability to exploit them and have a big performance.
Cousins Is 2–9 vs. Cowboys in His Career
Although Aikman has praised Cousins, Atlanta’s quarterback hasn’t had luck in his favor when playing against Dallas in his career. Cousins is 2-9 against the Cowboys, with the last win coming in 2019.
In the 11 matchups, Cousins has thrown for 2,742 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 67.9% of his throws with a passer rating of 99.4. Hopefully, his team will be able to come through for him as well on Sunday, as Cousins has shown in the past that he can get the better of the Cowboys’ defense.
Dallas will be without Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, Daron Bland, and DeMarcus Lawrence for this game. Given how many talented players the Falcons have on offense, there’s a possibility that Atlanta could blow out the Cowboys similarly as to how the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints did.