Kirk Cousins endured one of the worst games of his career on Sunday, throwing four interceptions in a Falcons loss. Atlanta will continue with the veteran under center, however. 
“That guy has carried us this season,” head coach Raheem Morris said of Cousins, via The Athletic’s Josh Kendall (subscription required). “He has done such a marvelous job that it’s hard to throw that guy under the bus after what he’s done for us. We will bounce back, we will bring him back and we’ll be ready to go.”
The Falcons are currently riding a three-game losing streak. Over that span, Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass while continuing to struggle with turnovers. The big-ticket free agent now leads the NFL in interceptions (13) and his 90.8 passer rating is his lowest mark since 2014. Atlanta sits in a tie atop the NFC South at 6-6, but remaining ahead of the Buccaneers will require improved play down the stretch.
Cousins signed a four-year, $180MM deal on the open market in a move which marked the end of his six-year Vikings tenure. The 36-year-old has been healthy this season, a welcomed development after his 2023 campaign ended with an Achilles tear. Cousins entered the year with assurances he would remain atop the depth chart for his first Falcons season even in the event of struggles like those he has endured lately.
Given Atlanta’s decision to select Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the draft, however, questions have lingered about when any potential QB swap could take place. Penix – who was not the team’s initial target on draft night – has made two regular season appearances late in lopsided games to date. The Washington product is under team control through at least 2027 (with the potential for an additional season via the fifth-year option).
Cousins, meanwhile, is owed a fully guaranteed $27.5MM base salary for next season, ensuring he will be on the roster through at least the end of the 2025 campaign. If the Falcons continue their current slide, further questions will no doubt be asked with respect to the four-time Pro Bowler’s status atop the depth chart. For now, though, no move on that front is being considered.
Showing his age. Minny was right to let him walk.
Maybe he fears the Buccaneers….for tbe same reason why 6 was afraid of 7
Kirk has made some insane plays this season but the bad has been so bad especially Sundays game and the season opener VS Steelers. I hope he tightens up I want to see him lead my birds to at least a playoff appearance year 1 🙁
Yeah, they’re still competing for first in the division. It’d be bad to throw Penix in in his first start in that scenario, and as bad as Cousins has been in the last two games, he still gives them their best chance to win. It’s also not like the Falcons’ offense is done being figured out yet, either. It’s the first year of the new regime-they’ve definitely got some things to figure out over the off-season and last few games.
@Ak185–yes we are still in this Kirk needs to tighten up. Vikings revenge game next week is where we have to lock in against Kirk’s former team. New regimes usage of Bijan gives me less stress when you give him 25 plus touches per game he never disappoints. Amazing stats all year
I don’t know what’s going on with him. He threw some really bad picks yesterday. No tipped passes ints, just throwing to the the defenders like he was playing Dodge Ball or something….I hope he can lead them to the playoffs, I’m not sure Penix will provide a huge spark right now
@braveshomer—dusgusting picks and happy feet yesterday I hope he bounces back
And so it begins with Questions about starting Penix smh
Atlanta’s not “competing for first”, it leads the NFC South through a head-to-head sweep of Tampa Bay. And the Falcons are not starting Penix unless Cousins has a season-ending injury.
As long as Atlanta matches the Tampa Bay result each week, ATL will be fine.
Cousins is a competent QB.
HOWEVER:
He lacks the “WINNER GENE”
He is just not good enough to elevate the play of the other 10 offensive players.
His OWN PLAY/STATS has been elevated due to the talent around him.
He was unable to take Minnesota to the promised land.
Based on cost and results; that’s why he is wearing a different team’s uniform.