Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled mightily in Sunday's 17-13 Week 13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. The veteran signal-caller completed 24 of 39 passing attempts for 245 yards, zero touchdowns, and an astonishing four interceptions, including a game-swinging pick-six. Despite his poor form, Cousins should remain the starting quarterback ahead of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who is patiently waiting in the wings.
The Falcons were leading 10-9 with 1:49 remaining in the third quarter. Atlanta's offense faced a critical 4th-and-5 from the Chargers' 41-yard line. That's when Cousins telegraphed a gift to Chargers fifth-round rookie defensive back Tarheeb Still, who intercepted his pass and returned it for a 61-yard touchdown, giving Jim Harabaugh's club a lead they'd never squander.
TARHEEB STILL @CHARGERS PICK-6.
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2024
📺: #LACvsATL on CBS/Paramount+
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The Falcons have now dropped three consecutive contests. Throughout this lackluster stretch, Cousins has completed 65 of 104 passes (62.5% completion percentage) for 724 yards, zero touchdowns, and six interceptions. Cousins has also fumbled four times, but the Falcons recovered them all.
It's been a mind-numbing run for Cousins. It would be understandable if head coach Raheem Morris feels tempted to insert Penix Jr. into the lineup. The No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix Jr. did complete two of four passes for 24 yards in mop-up duty during the Week 11 blowout defeat to the Denver Broncos.
The 6-6 Falcons remain tied for the division lead with the .500 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta currently holds the tiebreaker advantage after already sweeping the season series. Cousins threw for 509 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-30 overtime thriller. In a follow-up win over the Buccaneers, the vet QB threw another four TDs. With the Falcons firmly in the postseason hunt within a winnable NFC South, working through Cousins' struggles is their best course of action.
If the Falcons continue losing and fall out of the playoff race, benching Cousins for Penix Jr. becomes a more realistic outcome. But as long as Atlanta can host a postseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in January, then Cousins should remain the quarterback. They must trust their 36-year-old four-time Pro Bowl quarterback to re-find his effectiveness.
Atlanta's next game is against the Minnesota Vikings, who Cousins played for from 2018 to 2023 before signing a four-year contract worth $180 million with the Falcons earlier this offseason. A revenge game opportunity versus his former employer could motivate Cousins out of his funk. Penix Jr. shouldn't even earn consideration.
Furthermore, the Falcons are 4-1 within the NFC South. They'll play their final division game in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Carolina Panthers. Cousins has been generally outstanding against divisional opponents, showing up when it matters most.
The Falcons play the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders after the Vikings. Cousins will soon put his shocking struggles behind him. It's been a nightmarish stretch for Cousins, but he'll remain Atlanta's starting quarterback with Penix Jr. being viewed as Morris' long-term play.
