ATLANTA — Following the Falcons’ narrow 17-13 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Kirk Cousins accepted full responsibility for his performance, which included four interceptions, tying his career high. This outing marked one of the most challenging moments in his 13-year NFL career. Cousins endured a 61-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still and another turnover in the end zone that squashed a crucial fourth-quarter drive.
In a candid postgame press conference, Cousins reflected on the game, saying, “I look to myself and say, ‘I’ve got to play better.’ It hurts. When your defense plays winning football and your special teams step up, I’ve got to perform at a higher level.”
This loss marked the Falcons’ third consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 6-6 but still keeping them in contention for the NFC South lead. Remarkably, Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass in his last three games, a streak he’s never experienced since becoming a full-time starter in 2015.
Despite the struggles on offense, the Falcons’ defense shone, recording five sacks—a season high—and preventing the Chargers from scoring a defensive touchdown. However, the offensive turnovers ultimately sealed the team’s fate.
Looking ahead, head coach Raheem Morris expressed unwavering support for Cousins, stating he has no intention of replacing him with rookie Michael Penix Jr., the team’s No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 draft. Morris highlighted Cousins’ role in positioning the Falcons for potential playoff contention. “Everything is still right in front of us. We’re still sticking with our plan,” he affirmed, emphasizing the need for Cousins to minimize turnovers.
Receiver Drake London also defended Cousins, noting that many players experience tough games. “It’s not all on Kirk. We have to run the right routes and execute our plays,” London said, highlighting the importance of team cohesion.
Cousins, who reportedly remains healthy, understands the challenges that come with the NFL. “If it ever was about entitlement, I wouldn’t want it. I need to play at a level that justifies being out there,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the Falcons are hopeful that Cousins can rebound next week against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. The support from both the coaching staff and his teammates suggests that Cousins still has the backing necessary to turn his performance around.
In summary, while the Falcons faced a setback in their bid for a playoff spot, the emphasis on teamwork and support may help them regroup. The focus now lies on overcoming this adversity and showcasing resilience in the weeks to come, with Cousins poised to bounce back.