PHILADELPHIA — — Kirk Cousins ​​led a flawless drive in the final minute for Atlanta, connecting with Drake London for a 7-yard touchdown with 34 seconds left, giving the Falcons a 22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.

Saquon Barkley threw a short pass that stopped the clock with 1:46 left, forcing the Eagles to settle for a field goal instead of a game-sealing first down. That was more than enough time for Cousins ​​— especially against an Eagles defense that played soft coverage with a nonexistent pass rush.

The 36-year-old veteran, playing in his second game since torn his Achilles tendon Oct. 29 last year while playing for Minnesota, shook off an uneven effort and hit Darnell Mooney for 21 and 26 yards on consecutive plays during the final drive.

Cousins ​​found London with a short pass to the right for the equalizer and Younghoe Koo put Atlanta (1-1) ahead with an extra point from 48 yards after London was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Jalen Hurts saw his final pass intercepted by Jessie Bates III to secure the win for Atlanta, prompting wild celebrations on the sideline.

The Eagles (1-1) took the lead on Hurts’ 1-yard tush push score with 6:47 left. Barkley finished with 95 yards on 22 carries in his home debut for Philadelphia, but his drop gave the Falcons some hope.

And then Cousins ​​started playing like the QB Atlanta thought they were getting when they gave him a four-year, $180 million contract.

Next

Atlanta hosts Super Bowl champion Kansas City on Sunday.

The Eagles play in New Orleans on Sunday.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl