Kirk Cousins, without hesitation, admits he could’ve played “better” with his job on the line this season
The Atlanta Falcons secured a win over the Las Vegas Raiders with just-enough performance from experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins.
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Kirk Cousins (Image via Imago)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was candid about quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ performance in Monday’s 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Cousins, 36-year-old former Minnesota Vikings and Washington football quarterback, admitted that the coach stated the obvious.
The Falcons managed a bare minimum win over the two-win Raiders. The Falcons’ offense was relatively dormant throughout the game, as they won 15-9. This statement does feel like an oxymoron in itself. In the squeeze-through win, Kirk Cousins completed 11-of-17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Morris’ comments echoed many Falcons fans’ sentiments, and Cousins acknowledged the critique, saying that his coach was “stating the obvious. In the post-game comments, Morris admitted that they need to play better. He also left the conversations of a potential wide open. Cousins iterated the coach’s words while speaking to the reporters, adding that its no mystery that he needs to play better than how he’s playing at the moment.
I think I need to play better. I don’t think that’s a mystery, I think the last few weeks, I would say I need to play better. Raheem says it, but it’s stating the obvious… Every week you kind of go through your process and you plan to go out there and play the very best you can, and so this week will be no different.
Kirk Cousins said
Cousins also underlined the key area where he need to amp up the ammunition to ensure his spot amid increasing boos and calls to bench.
I think it’s always just decision making so that you’re not putting the ball in harm’s way. Not trying to be too aggressive. That’s really the key and protecting the football.
Kirk Cousins added
Kirk Cousins’ role with the Falcons will largely depend on how the team fares in the remainder of the season. Over the next few weeks, Cousins and the Falcons will face the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers.
#Falcons QB Kirk Cousins on his play needing to improve. pic.twitter.com/PaFhTIsQt0
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) December 17, 2024
ESPN’s Football Power Index gave Atlanta a 20.7% chance to win the NFC South and a 29.0% chance to make the playoffs. Although the updated numbers haven’t yet reflected their win over the Raiders, this victory keeps the Falcons in the playoff race.
Former NFL player states that Kirk Cousins isn’t who he is anymore
Kirk Cousins has long been regarded as a capable, if sometimes inconsistent, starting quarterback in the NFL. However, a former NFL backup QB for the Falcons recently voiced concerns over Cousins’ current form, suggesting that the quarterback is no longer the player he once was.
The remarks come after a series of underwhelming performances by Cousins, including the Atlanta Falcons’ 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. While Cousins managed to lead the Falcons to a crucial win, his performance left much to be desired. Former signal-caller Kurt Benkert didn’t hide any feelings admitting that Cousins is a shell of a person he used to be.
Kirk is playing like a freshman in college. Late throws, bad accuracy, no blitz awareness, late across the middle, and “f it” throws when he’s going to get hit. I don’t know what happened but this is insane. It’s not who he used to be.
Kurt Benkert wrote on X
Kirk is playing like a freshman in college right now.
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) December 17, 2024
Late throws, bad accuracy, no blitz awareness, late across the middle, and “f it” throws when he’s going to get hit.
I don’t know what happened but this is insane. It’s not who he used to be.
Cousins initially established a consistent offensive momentum for the Falcons with video game stats against Tampa Bay. However, in the last five games, he has thrown nine interceptions and he only snapped a four no-TD game on Monday.
With several winnable games on the horizon, including matchups against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers, the pressure is mounting for Cousins to regain his form. His coach, Raheem Morris, has already made it clear that improvements are needed from the quarterback position.
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Mohammed Bazim
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