Time For Change? Raheem Morris Discusses Benching Kirk Cousins

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Kirk Cousins benched

Unlike the promising first half of the season, where the Falcons repeatedly found ways to eke out close victories, the start of the second half has been a stark contrast—defined by miscues and underwhelming performances across the board. Special teams, particularly the kicking unit, have been a recurring problem. That trend continued Sunday, as Younghoe Koo missed a routine chip-shot field goal on the opening drive. While that miss proved costly in a tight contest, the game’s outcome hinged on a different storyline: Kirk Cousins, who is amid the worst three-game stretch of his career.

A 13-year NFL veteran and 10-year starter, Kirk Cousins entered Sunday mired in an uncharacteristic slump, having failed to throw a touchdown pass in his previous two games. This marked the longest drought of his career—a notable stat considering his lengthy tenure in the league. But things went from bad to worse against the Chargers. Not only did Cousins fail to break his touchdown dry spell, but he also threw four interceptions, many of which were baffling mistakes for a quarterback with so much experience.

The first interception came in the first half, with the Falcons looking to extend their lead. Under pressure, Cousins hesitated, double-clutched, and delivered a late throw that was easily picked off, setting up a Chargers field goal. It was the kind of mistake you’d expect from a rookie—not a seasoned veteran. But somehow, the next two interceptions managed to make the first one look like one of his better throws of the day.

With the Falcons leading by one, Raheem Morris kept the offense on the field just past midfield on 4th-and-5, which led to one of the most telegraphed passes you’ll see in the NFL all year, resulting in a pick-six.

Despite that, the Falcons still had a chance to win the game on multiple occasions, but Cousins wasn’t done throwing egregious interceptions. His third pick might have been even worse than his second.

Those are two interceptions that make Zach Wilson look like a Hall-of-Famer. Slow, telegraphed, abysmal decisions that are simply inexcusable, especially for a quarterback making $50 million with 13 years of experience under his belt.

But Kirk Cousins wasn’t done. On the last drive of the game, he delivered one final back-breaking interception on fourth down just outside the red zone to seal the victory for the Chargers, capping off the worst game of his Falcons tenure and the worst three-game stretch of his career.

Cousins hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 9 against the Cowboys. Over that stretch, he has six interceptions and fumbled the ball four more times. But as bad as the numbers are, the eye test is even more disturbing. Cousins decision-making has been that of a rookie, and his arm looks worse than it ever has before. This isn’t what the Falcons expected when they handed him $180 million in free agency, but Raheem Morris isn’t hearing any talk about benching the veteran for rookie 8th overall pick Michael Penix Jr.

“We won’t make any excuses for them. That guy has carried us all season, he’s done such a marvelous job. It’s hard to throw that guy under the bus. We’ll bounce back, bring him back and we’ll be ready to go,” Morris said of Kirk Cousins in the Falcons postgame press conference.

I’m not ready to pound the table for Michael Penix Jr. to take over just yet, but it’s time to be realistic about the situation. Kirk Cousins simply hasn’t looked like the same quarterback since his injury. His mobility is virtually nonexistent, and his arm strength might be the worst of any current NFL starter.

When you pair those physical limitations with questionable decision-making, Cousins has been a below-average starter over the course of the season. That’s not to suggest Penix would necessarily fare better, but if Cousins turns in another subpar outing—especially in Week 14 against a tough Minnesota Vikings defense—those calls for change will only grow louder.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire

 

 

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