Raheem Morris subtly gives an ultimatum to Kirk Cousins despite the Falcons’ defeating Raiders
Kirk Cousins registered just one touchdown for the Atlanta Falcons in a low-scoring game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Follow Us
Raheem Morris (inset), Kirk Cousins (Images via Imago)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has had enough of Kirk Cousins despite the Falcons securing a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. The Falcons, who are second in the NFC South, had a rather uninteresting 15-9 game at the Allegiant Stadium.
In the low-scoring game, Cousins registered just a single touchdown while throwing 11 pass completions for 112 yards. The 36-year-old also registered an interception – the 16th this season, leading all quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback, is second with 14 interceptions so far. As the Falcons currently fall in the non-postseason spots, their dreams of a first postseason appearance in five years bite the dust.
Raheem Morris admitted that Cousins’ ineffectiveness and bad plays have been one of the causes of the Falcons’ struggle. He acknowledged that Cousins needed to play better while reserving some suspicion on the quarterback position as well.
He’s got to play better. We have to find a way to get him to play better. We have to play better at the quarterback position.
Raheem Morris said
#Falcons HC Raheem Morris on Kirk Cousins: "He’s got to play better. We have to find a way to get him to play better. We have to play better at the quarterback position." pic.twitter.com/4jkDb5LtLB
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 17, 2024
Although the Falcons secured a victory, starting QB Kirk Cousins’ performance was underwhelming once again, leading many to question whether it’s time to consider other options. In the NFL Draft this year, the Falcons surprisingly drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round despite paying a huge chunk of money for Cousins. At the time of the draft, there were concerns whether Penix Jr. could start instead of Cousins. As the Falcons find themselves in troubled waters, the calls for benching Cousins are increasing day by day.
Kirk Cousins can salvage his spot with a winnable stretch into Week 18
Atlanta came close to another collapse in the final minutes of the game. Holding a six-point lead that had already been reduced from 12, the Falcons’ defense began to falter. Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder came close to orchestrating a game-winning touchdown drive, launching two Hail Mary attempts to the end zone. However, Atlanta managed to hold on, securing a much-needed victory, ending their four-game losing streak, and staying in contention for the NFC South title.
Kirk Cousins’ role in the Falcons outfit depends on where the Georgian team ends up in the season. Cousins and the Falcons face the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers in the coming weeks. Among the three teams, only the Commanders have a winning record – a win against the Commanders could go a long way considering they are one of the leading contenders for the wildcard spots.
Before Week 15, 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. While the updated figures haven’t yet accounted for the win over the Raiders, this victory keeps the Falcons in contention.
Related: Maxx Crosby’s cryptic tweet indicates Shedeur Sanders to Raiders?
Stay Updated!
Mohammed Bazim
(515 Articles Published)