Amid a difficult tenure in Atlanta, the 37-year-old quarterback reignited his free-agent market with a spectacular performance against the Buccaneers.

Atlanta Falcons fans were not happy with a call that went against Kirk Cousins in their Thursday night matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cousins

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins arcs a 35-yard pass to tight end Kyle Pitts who tries to hop over a Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Julie Cousins gets real about the night Kirk was benched in Atlanta, calling it one of the toughest moments their family has faced.

Two NFC South rivals square off on 'Thursday Night Football' in a game with huge playoff implications for Tampa Bay

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins launches a near-perfect deep ball to wide receiver David Sills that slips through his fingers for an incomplete pass.

The Buccaneers fell to 7-7, a half-game behind the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South. It has been a tough time for Cousins, who was benched last season and lost his job. He got it back due to a season-ending knee injury to Penix. He had been written off at age 37. But for one night at least, the Falcons looked smart for keeping him on the roster.