Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris insists Kirk Cousins’ struggles with interceptions didn’t lead him to contemplate a change at quarterback in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cousins has performed lengthy sufficient to know he has to play higher or else his coach’s steadfast help may change, particularly with rookie first-round decide Michael Penix Jr. ready for his alternative.
Cousins threw 4 interceptions, matching his profession excessive, together with a late decide with 40 seconds remaining within the Falcons’ 17-13 loss to the Chargers on Sunday. Three Cousins interceptions got here within the second half, together with one returned 61 yards for a landing by rookie Tarheeb Still within the third quarter.
“I feel there aren’t any rights within the NFL,” Cousins stated when requested about his job safety. “You simply need to earn it…I have to play at a degree that, you realize, justifies being on the market.”
There had been nonetheless two interceptions. Safety Marcus Maye had an interception after being claimed by the Chargers on Wednesday.
The 4 interceptions had been probably the most for Cousins since 2014, his third NFL season with Washington. A troubling pattern continued for Atlanta, the place the crew’s offensive manufacturing declined whereas the veteran quarterback’s turnovers elevated.
In his final three video games, all losses, Cousins has thrown six interceptions with no touchdowns. The Falcons had been held underneath 20 factors in every loss.
Morris is bound to ask extra questions on Penix because the Falcons (6-6) put together for subsequent weekend’s recreation in Minnesota.
“We haven’t any downside with him,” Morris stated of Cousins. “I do not suppose that is going to be the issue round right here. You know, that man introduced us.”
Morris famous that the Falcons stay in first place within the NFC South and have “every little thing nonetheless forward of us.”
Even within the weak NFC South, the Falcons should shake their three-game dropping streak in the event that they need to shield their hopes for his or her first playoff look since 2017.
“It’s as much as us to bounce again and discover a strategy to win soccer video games, and there isn’t any higher 18-year-old man to do this for us,” Morris stated of Cousins.
The Falcons made an enormous funding in Cousins earlier than committing to Penix as their starter of the longer term. Cousins, 36, signed a four-year, $180 million contract and was praised as he helped Atlanta to the highest of the division with a 6-3 document.
The Falcons and Cousins haven’t saved up the momentum as he prepares to return to his former NFL dwelling in Minnesota. There was a typical theme in his interceptions in opposition to the Chargers. Defenders continually anticipated his passes, putting themselves in entrance of potential targets for interceptions.
Cousins accomplished 24 of 39 passes for 245 yards. The Chargers recorded 10 passes defensed, displaying they had been constantly profitable in getting their arms on Cousins’ passes, even once they could not intercept the ball.
“Obviously disappointing outcome,” Cousins stated. “Disappointing recreation. You know, I take a look at myself and say, I’ve received to play higher. … Feel like that was a recreation that we had an opportunity to win if I play to the usual that I anticipate to play at.”
Associated Press reporting.
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