“It can really change the course of the season”

It was a simply stunning victory for Cousins ​​and the Falcons, but a shocking loss for the Eagles, who had seemed to have the win all but assured, holding Atlanta's passing attack to 157 yards for nearly four full quarters before Cousins ​​pulled a magical victory out of his helmet.

After the Falcons largely failed with a loss in Week 1, this was the kind of performance that underscored why they signed Cousins ​​to a lucrative contract in the offseason — and reignited anticipation for what could be ahead for Atlanta.

“Coming from behind. Finding a way in a tough environment against a good football team,” Cousins ​​said of what made the win so special. “It builds our resolve, builds our grit, builds our character that we're going to have to rely on throughout the year. That's NFL football. We've got to get used to it and get comfortable with it because that's how these games usually go. The more battle-tested we are and have those moments, I think the better prepared we are for what's to come.”

With just 1:39 left to play, Cousins ​​took the lead as the Falcons trailed 21-15. Despite throwing a 41-yard touchdown to Darnell Mooney in the third quarter, Cousins ​​was less than stellar for most of the game. Trailing by six points and with 70 yards to go, Cousins ​​was as good as ever.

He looked fearless and threw with authority, completing 5 of 6 passes for all 70 yards of the drive.

He started with an 11-yard pass to Kyle Pitts, then two 20-plus yard gains to Mooney and finally to London, first with a 6-yard pass to the Eagles' 7-yard line. Then, on third and fifth attempts, Cousins ​​found London again, this time hitting him inside the right pylon.

The drama was not over yet, however, as London received a penalty for a controversial unsportsmanlike celebration, forcing Koo to make a game-winning 45-meter pass.

Moments later, Bates secured the victory.

While the Eagles were stunned after their home opener, the Falcons were cheering.

In the first six quarters of the season, they failed against two teams from Pennsylvania.

In Week 1, Cousins ​​threw for just 155 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in an 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On Monday, Cousins ​​and Co. trailed 7-6 at halftime, with the veteran quarterback completing just 7 of 13 attempts for 75 yards.

To be fair, the Falcons' running game was successful, at least in terms of yards. Atlanta ran for 109 net yards in the first half, but it was Cousins ​​who revived the offense and captained a thrilling comeback.

It wasn't long ago that Cousins ​​had a reputation for not being ready for primetime, especially Monday night games. He began his career by losing his first nine Monday night games. Since that 0-9 start, Cousins ​​has changed the narrative. After the thriller in Philly, he has won four of his last five Monday night games.

Next, he wants to turn things around in Atlanta, the team that signed Cousins ​​in hopes of ending a six-year playoff drought.

“It's so important to find ways to win,” Cousins ​​said. “And that's how a great season goes: When you have those games that can go either way, you find a way to make it work in your favor. That's how this league is. So if we can find those inches, it can really change the course of the season. We're going to have more of those and we've got to continue to find ways as a whole team to make the plays to get it done.”