Kirk Cousins Bounces Back from Injury, Embraces Pocket Passing Style

The 36-year-old quarterback Kirk Cousins has come a long way since his Achilles injury last season. Just five games into his comeback, he stunned fans with an impressive 509-yard performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. This milestone makes him the 13th player in NFL history to achieve such numbers in a single game. Cousins isn't just playing well; he's proving that age and injury don't define his skills as a quarterback. Despite some lingering discomfort from other minor injuries, like a sore thumb and knee, Cousins is focused on staying in the game. His stats this season reflect consistency rather than pre-injury peak performance. However, he's on track to improve with every game. Thursday night was particularly encouraging, with him completing 42 out of 58 passes for 509 yards and four touchdowns, only one interception marring his near-perfect record. Cousins attributes his resilience to his pocket passing style, which isn't as physically demanding as scrambling. Retired quarterbacks he has consulted agree that accuracy from the pocket is key to longevity in the league. He finds comfort in knowing that standing still and making accurate throws will help him stay competitive even if his athleticism wanes with age. With 62 dropbacks on Thursday night, Cousins showed why being a pocket passer is advantageous. More time in the pocket means more chances to distribute the ball effectively, as seen in the 81 plays they ran compared to other games where plays were fewer than 50. This style not only extends his career but also keeps him efficient and involved.