For the time being, the Atlanta Falcons are retaining Kirk Cousins as their quarterback despite a recent decline in performance, including a two-interception game in their 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Raheem Morris stated that while everything is under evaluation, Cousins remains their choice for the position.
Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass in four games and has recorded eight interceptions during this period. However, Morris emphasized that "everything is always discussed" when reviewing performance tapes but maintained that Cousins is still the preferred leader at quarterback.
"Kirk played significantly better than he did the week before and we have the chance to go out there and focus on us and go out there and work on what we do and what we do well," Morris said. "We will do whatever is best to go win football games, but Kirk is definitely a part of that."
In the loss against Minnesota, Cousins completed 23 of 37 passes for 344 yards without touchdowns but with two interceptions. This marked an improvement from his previous game, yet questions remain as the Falcons prepare for Week 15 below .500 and now second in NFC South standings.
"I would love to be playing with a lot more production," Cousins admitted after the defeat. "It's been disappointing over the last four weeks to not have a touchdown pass."
The Falcons' running game performed effectively against Minnesota, achieving nearly five yards per run with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier combining for 158 rushing yards on 32 carries along with two touchdowns.
When questioned about possibly starting rookie Michael Penix Jr., Morris highlighted red zone inefficiencies as an area needing improvement. "We have to execute better in the red zone," he noted.
Despite these challenges, Morris affirmed support for Cousins: "Kirk threw for 300-and-whatever amount of yards and we were able to run the ball to get in the end zone."
The team's locker room also backs this decision. Players like Bijan Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Jake Matthews expressed respect for Cousins. Matthews commented: "He's a guy I respect... A guy I want to play really well for." Mooney added: "If we're losing everything's all on him; if we're winning everything's all on him."
Currently leading NFL interceptions this season with fifteen —the most he's ever had—Cousins' role remains central amid scrutiny from fans and media alike regarding offensive consistency.
"Kirk Cousins is our quarterback," Morris reiterated.
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