Raheem Morris Sends Strong Message to Kirk Cousins Amid Falcons’ Playoff Push

The Atlanta Falcons and Raheem Morris are clinging to their playoff hopes after an important Week 15 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

However, despite the victory, concerns linger over the performance of starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris didn’t mince words following the game, sending a clear message that improvement is non-negotiable as Atlanta battles for the NFC South title.

Cousins, once the face of the Minnesota Vikings’ offense, has struggled to find his rhythm in recent weeks. While Sunday’s win was much-needed for the Falcons, it was far from flawless, particularly at the quarterback position. Morris, whose no-nonsense leadership style has defined Atlanta’s season, was blunt about what needs to change.

“He’s got to play better,” Morris said postgame, addressing Cousins’ performance. “We have to find a way to get him to play better. We have to play better at the quarterback position.”

Those words hit hard, particularly given the stakes. Atlanta, now sitting at 7-7 and second in the NFC South, faces a tight race to secure a playoff spot, either by overtaking division leaders Tampa Bay or grabbing a Wild Card berth. Cousins’ inconsistency, however, has raised questions about his ability to deliver down the stretch.

Cousins Holds Himself Accountable

To his credit, Kirk Cousins didn’t shy away from the criticism. After the game, the veteran quarterback stood before reporters and owned up to his recent struggles. “Yeah, I think I do need to play better,” Cousins admitted. “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.”

Cousins’ self-awareness is commendable, but words alone won’t solve Atlanta’s offensive woes. The quarterback’s recent performances have been marked by missed opportunities, inconsistent decision-making, and an inability to fully capitalize on critical moments. For a team still in the playoff hunt, these issues are magnified with each passing week.

“Every week, you go through your process and you plan to go out there and play the very best you can. This week will be no different,” Cousins added, signaling that he’s ready to tackle the challenge head-on.

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Raheem Morris Stays Firm on Next Steps

Raheem Morris’ comments have also fueled speculation about whether Cousins could face a benching if his performances fail to improve. When pressed about a potential change at quarterback, specifically whether Penix Jr. could step in, Morris offered a measured but firm response: “Our mentality is to find a way to win the next game.”

Morris’ words indicate that while Cousins remains the starter, patience is wearing thin. Atlanta’s head coach knows that results matter now more than ever. The Falcons are far from eliminated, but their margin for error is razor-thin, especially with three games left on the schedule.

What’s Next for the Falcons?

Currently sitting at 7-7, the Falcons face a must-win stretch to keep their playoff hopes alive. Atlanta’s remaining games—against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers—are all winnable on paper, but nothing can be taken for granted. With the NFC South still within reach, every snap, every drive, and every decision will matter.

The Falcons’ defense has provided a much-needed boost in recent weeks, keeping games close and giving Cousins and the offense opportunities to win. However, as Raheem Morris made clear, the quarterback position must rise to the occasion. For Atlanta to make the playoffs, Kirk Cousins will need to deliver the kind of steady, reliable performances that earned him respect during his tenure in Minnesota.

The Pressure Is On

This is the moment where seasons are defined, and players either step up or fall short. For Kirk Cousins, the pressure couldn’t be higher. While his experience and leadership are unquestionable, the execution has to follow. Atlanta fans, hungry for a postseason berth, are watching closely to see if Cousins can silence the critics and prove his doubters wrong.

Cousins’ struggles haven’t been for lack of effort, but effort alone doesn’t win games in December. If the Falcons want to punch their ticket to the playoffs, their quarterback must play sharper, smarter football—and soon.

Raheem Morris Setting the Tone

Raheem Morris’ candid approach reflects the urgency of Atlanta’s situation. His willingness to hold Cousins accountable sends a message not just to his quarterback, but to the entire locker room: the Falcons are playing for more than just pride.

With three games left, Atlanta controls its own destiny. The road won’t be easy, but the pieces are in place for a playoff push. Now, it’s up to Kirk Cousins to rise to the challenge, lead his team through the storm, and deliver when it matters most.

For the Falcons, the playoffs are still within reach. Whether they get there will depend heavily on the man under center—and Kirk Cousins knows it. The stage is set, the pressure is on, and all eyes are on Atlanta’s QB1 to see if he can turn Raheem Morris’ challenge into a rallying cry for the final stretch of the season.