As the Atlanta Falcons find themselves mired in a challenging NFL season, the focus is keenly directed towards one of their most significant assets: veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With the Falcons enduring a four-game losing streak and slipping out of the NFC South lead, the franchise is navigating turbulent waters.
Head Coach Raheem Morris has unequivocally stated that, despite the recent struggles, "Kirk Cousins is our quarterback." This unwavering support underscores the organization's commitment to Cousins, who was secured in the offseason with a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract. Despite a concerning stretch in recent games, Atlanta remains steadfast in its support for the seasoned quarterback, opting not to bench him in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., the highly-touted eighth overall draft pick.
The statistics from Cousins' last four outings tell a story of both promise and peril. Completing 63.1% of his passes for a total of 762 yards, he has, however, failed to throw a touchdown in this period, while being intercepted seven times. These figures have culminated in a passer rating that has plummeted to an alarming 57.2, a stark contrast to his usual performance metrics.
Despite these struggles, Morris acknowledges the challenges but also sees growth, stating, "We'll have the ability to go watch this tape like we do every single week. Kirk played significantly better than he did the week before." The Falcons' head coach emphasizes the importance of focusing on their own game, aiming to "really work on what we do and what we do well," highlighting Cousins as integral to their strategy of winning games.
On the surface, there seems little cause for optimism in midst of such a downturn, yet, it is crucial to note Cousins' previous accomplishments this season. He holds a promising 5-1 record against opponents with .500 or below records, signaling his capability to lead the Falcons when conditions align in his favor. Moreover, he has already secured a victory against a team with a winning record, showcasing potential flashes of brilliance.
The Falcons were once riding high, sporting a record above .500. Since then, however, they have been grappling with performance issues that have served as stumbling blocks. The organization understands the urgency of their situation in an NFL landscape that seldom tolerates sustained underperformance. Their mission is clear: stabilize their performance and recalibrate their trajectory to return to a winning form.
Morris and the Falcons have decided that Cousins remains central to any resurgence the team hopes to achieve. This decision seems informed not just by the considerable financial investment in Cousins, but also by his historically proven track record. This steadfast backing comes amidst growing pressure from fans and analysts alike, eager to see a turnaround.
The season remains ripe for reversal, and the onus falls on the organization to leverage its strengths. By placing their trust in Cousins, the Falcons aim to channel his experience and leadership qualities toward reviving their fortunes. With every performance closely scrutinized as the season progresses, Falcons supporters will be anxious to see if this reliance on Cousins pays dividends or if a more drastic change will eventually be unavoidable.
As attention remains fixed on how the Falcons manage this critical juncture, the question persists: Can the franchise's faith in Cousins catalyze a formation shift that counts towards reclaiming their earlier momentum? The answer to that will likely define Atlanta's season as it moves forward.