The 36-year-old Cousins had a much stronger outing against the Eagles, going 20-of-29 for 241 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He went 13-of-16 in the second half and spearheaded a six-play, 70-yard touchdown drive inside the final minute to lift the Falcons to an improbable comeback victory.

For decades, the NFL was ruled by quarterbacks who did their work almost exclusively from the pocket. They scanned the field before passing the ball to receivers, throwing it away if no one was open or taking a sack if time ran out.