Kirk Cousins ​​and Atlanta Falcons defeat Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — Kirk Cousins ​​has spent the last week answering questions about his health, whether his poor performance in Week 1 was just due to rust or something more troubling. Perhaps his surgically repaired right Achilles tendon has not yet fully recovered.

Cousins ​​was able to put those questions to rest, at least for now, by leading the Atlanta Falcons to a terrific, game-winning drive in Monday's away game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“We found a way to win and we can build on that. And I think that will build the character and determination of our group,” Cousins ​​said in the post-game press conference.

The Falcons won 22-21 after Cousins ​​capped a 70-yard touchdown drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Drake London with 34 seconds left. Cousins ​​has now won four of his last five “Monday Night Football” games. And this was Raheem Morris' first win as the Falcons' full-time head coach.

On the final drive, Cousins ​​completed 5 of 6 passes. According to ESPN Research, he has now scored six game-winning touchdowns in the final minute of regulation or overtime since becoming a full-time starter in 2015. Only Derek Carr (8) has scored more during that span.

In a Week 1 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cousins ​​struggled in his first game back after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week 8 of last season at the Minnesota Vikings. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, scoring one touchdown and throwing two costly interceptions. It was a disappointing performance for the quarterback the Falcons signed in the offseason to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Things didn't go well on Monday either. The Falcons only scored one touchdown in the first three quarters. But in the end, Cousins ​​was able to show strong statistics: 20 of 29 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

“(Cousins) got so much criticism all week,” said Atlanta safety Jessie Bates III, who had the game-winning interception. “(People said) 'Kirk can't move, Kirk can't do that.' Watch his stance. I mean, that wasn't his first two-minute drive.”

And most importantly, the Falcons picked up a much-needed win before the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs come to Atlanta for another prime-time game in Week 3. After that, the Falcons host the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers – their NFC South rivals, both of whom are undefeated.

“It's really, really important for us to come in here and win,” Cousins ​​said. “We had to do it any way we could and like so many NFL games, it came down to the last drive. I'm just proud of the way we kept playing and fighting.”