Kirk Cousins started hot in his return to U.S. Bank Stadium, helping the Atlanta Falcons score first in Sunday's anticipated matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, who employed the big-money quarterback for more than a half-decade.

Kirk Cousins is finding out the grass is not greener after leaving the Minnesota Vikings for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

Darnold is the first Vikings QB to throw for more than 300 yards and five touchdowns in a game since Daunte Culpepper in 2004.

The Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract just this past offseason. Cousins chose Atlanta over Minnesota in part because the

Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21.

The wide receiver is 63 yards away from reaching 7,000 in his career. Once he crosses that milestone, he will pass Vikings legend Jake Reed (6,999) and would become the youngest player to reach 7,000 yards at 25 years and 175 days old. Tampa Bay's Mike Evans (26 years, 81 days) currently holds the record.

After long-time starter Kirk Cousins walked away in free agency this offseason to sign with Atlanta, the Vikings