Raheem Morris: Not injury related but “probably some rust” on Kirk Cousins’ struggles

NFL: SEP 08 Steelers at Falcons

The Falcons are licking their wounds on this Monday evening and are finally answering questions about the showing on Sunday.

The one that everyone wants to know — Is Kirk Cousins hurt? Raheem Morris was asked about it, and Atlanta’s head coach said that his struggles weren’t injury-related, “probably some rust.”

Falcons fans aren’t going to like this one. There really isn’t a great way to answer that question, but Morris has been adamant about starters not playing in the preseason to avoid injuries.

The only issue with that is rust. The rust of a 36-year-old coming off a torn Achilles with a new team, in a new system, with a new offensive coordinator, and new weapons. That’s the point of playing starters in the preseason.

The Falcons did this under Arthur Smith with Desmond Ridder, and I completely understand the rudimentary differences between holding out an 11-year veteran and basically a rookie, but it hits home for fans.

If it really is rust, this further proves Falcons fans’ points that reps in the preseason would’ve been beneficial for this new-look offense. It does make some sense, but it doesn’t really explain the game plan to keep Cousins from under center.

Raheem Morris clarifying that it isn’t an injury-related thing means the Falcons offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, called an absolutely horrible game. There’s no winning these things, but Morris basically threw his OC under the bus at this presser instead of just saying Kirk Cousins was limited.

Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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