Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions in the Falcons’ loss to the Chargers. Despite the crisis, he remains a starter. Coach Morris is sticking with him. Next chance: Vikings.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins took responsibility for the 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers after one of the weakest performances of his 13-year NFL career.
Cousins threw four interceptions, the most in a single game since 2014, setting a career record. Particularly painful were a 61-yard pick-six by Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still and an interception in the end zone by Marcus Maye that ruined a promising drive in the fourth quarter. Three of the Falcons’ most recent offensive series ended in a Cousins interception.
Cousins takes responsibility
In the post-game press conference, Cousins took responsibility for the poor performance and defeat. “I look at myself and say, ‘I have to play better,'” Cousins explained. “It hurts. When you feel like the defense played to win, the special teams made big plays and the running game was solid, then I have to play better.”
The Falcons suffered their third defeat in a row and are now at the top of the NFC South with six wins and six defeats. Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass in the past three games. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2015, he had never finished two straight games without a touchdown pass.
Trust in Cousins remains
Despite recent struggles, Cousins remains the Falcons’ quarterback. Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris emphasized that there were no considerations about bringing 2024 No. 8 pick Michael Penix Jr. into play. “Kirk was brought here to put us in a playoff position,” Morris said. “Everything is still ahead of us. We are sticking to our plan.”
Morris explained that the main goal is for Cousins to stop losing the ball. He has “no doubt” that Cousins will bounce back next week against the Minnesota Vikings, his former team. The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason.
Support from the team
Falcons receiver Drake London defended Cousins after the game. “Anyone who has played football, especially at this level, has had games like this,” London said. “It can never be all about Kirk. We have to run the right routes, be detailed and execute our plays.”
Cousins himself emphasized that he was healthy, although he would “like to say I’m struggling with something” to explain his performance. In support of Morris, Cousins said: “There is no entitlement in the NFL. You have to earn it. And if there was ever a right, I wouldn’t want it. I have to play at a level that justifies being out there.”
