Less than 24 hours after a tepid performance in a close victory over a two-time Raiders team, Falcons coach Raheem Morris isn’t ready to commit to Kirk Cousins going forward.
After a flight home from Las Vegas, Morris was asked on Monday if Cousins would start at quarterback on Sunday against the New York Giants. This is what he had to say:
“We just got back, man,” Morris said. via Marc Raimondi of ESPN. “We still have to go through that whole process like we always do. Obviously come back last night and get a big win.”
Morris then acknowledged that the Falcons need better quarterback play.
“There’s always going to be those question marks when it comes to the head coach, when it comes to the quarterback,” Morris continued. according to the Falcons team website. “And we have to be very transparent about it. We have to play better.”
“I think that’s what needs to be put out there, that we have to play better, and that’s what needs to be addressed. This has to happen so we can find ways to beat our next opponent, which is the New York Giants. “
That’s not a statement announcing a quarterback change. But it’s the first time this season that Morris hesitates when talking about Cousins’ status as Atlanta’s starter.
Morris has faced questions about Cousins before, most notably after a four-game losing streak in which Cousins threw eight interceptions and zero touchdowns. Until Monday, Morris remained steadfast in his support of Cousins.
“Kirk is our quarterback,” Morris said Dec. 9 after a Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. “Kirk is the guy who’s going to lead us.”
Cousins threw two interceptions and no touchdowns in that 42-21 loss to his former team. The loss to the Vikings capped Atlanta’s four-game losing streak that left them out of the NFC playoff picture.
Then came Monday night’s game. The Falcons held on to win 15-9, but failed to secure victory over a Raiders team with the worst record in the NFL until the final play of the game. Atlanta’s offense scored just one touchdown despite starting most of its drives in prime field position on a night in which the Falcons’ defense forced a fumble near midfield and their special teams blocked two punts.
Cousins was inaccurate on multiple throws downfield and struggled with mobility limitations that have plagued him since suffering a torn Achilles tendon last season. He finished the night completing 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
With the win, the Falcons improved to 7-7 to remain in the playoff picture. But thanks to a four-game losing streak, they have little chance of making the postseason after a 6-3 start. The midseason swoon has prompted calls for the Falcons to trade first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr., whom they selected with the eighth overall pick in April’s draft.
Morris wasn’t quick to dismiss the idea Tuesday. The Falcons are struggling through their season and may need wins over the Giants, Commanders and Panthers in their final three games to have a shot at making the playoffs. Will Cousins lead the charge or will Penix get a chance with the postseason on the line?