The Atlanta Falcons’ season hit another roadblock on Sunday with a 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Despite the setback, head coach Raheem Morris has made it clear that Kirk Cousins will remain the team’s starting quarterback. The NFC South leaders now face critical decisions as they aim to protect their divisional lead in the closing weeks of the regular season.
Cousins struggled against the Chargers, leading to questions about his consistency and whether Morris might consider a change at quarterback. However, the Falcons’ head coach was quick to shut down any speculation about benching the veteran signal-caller.
“I don’t think that’s going to be the issue around here,” Morris said. “That guy’s carried us. That guy’s got us to the point where we’re 6–6, first place in the division. Still got everything in front of us, despite what happened today.”
The Falcons’ offense was lackluster in Sunday’s matchup, with Cousins throwing for a modest total that fell short of expectations. However, Morris emphasized Cousins’ contributions over the course of the season. The quarterback has been instrumental in securing the Falcons’ position atop the NFC South, despite their .500 record.
“We won’t make any excuses for them,” Morris added, acknowledging the poor performance. “That guy has carried us all season. He’s done such a marvelous job. It’s hard to throw that guy under the bus.”
While the loss added pressure to the Falcons’ playoff push, Morris remains confident in Cousins’ ability to lead the team in the final stretch. Atlanta’s remaining schedule, featuring matchups against the Vikings, Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers, offers opportunities for redemption.
Kyle Pitts’ Role Under the Microscope
Beyond the quarterback position, the Falcons’ offensive struggles extended to their star tight end, Kyle Pitts. Pitts, a cornerstone of Atlanta’s passing attack, was notably quiet against the Chargers, and Morris did not shy away from addressing the issue.
“I would like to see Kyle get more production,” Morris said postgame. “I would like to see him have more opportunities. Whether it’s us getting it to him or him doing a better job, we’ll figure those things out as we go.”
The underutilization of Pitts has been a recurring theme this season, frustrating fans and raising questions about Atlanta’s offensive strategy. Morris’ comments suggest that adjustments are on the horizon, with an emphasis on maximizing Pitts’ impact in upcoming games.
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Falcons’ Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
With a 6-6 record, the Falcons remain in control of their playoff destiny, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Morris’ unwavering faith in Cousins is a gamble that could pay off if the veteran quarterback can rebound from Sunday’s performance. The team’s ability to secure wins in their final five games will likely hinge on improving both quarterback efficiency and offensive production from key players like Pitts.
The next test comes against the Minnesota Vikings, a matchup that will carry added significance for Cousins, who spent the bulk of his career in Minnesota. The Falcons will also face formidable challenges against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers, making it essential to address their offensive inconsistencies now.
A Team Rallying Around Its Leader
Despite the recent struggles, the Falcons’ locker room continues to rally around Cousins. His leadership and experience have been pivotal in navigating a season filled with ups and downs. For Morris, the focus remains on bouncing back and executing in high-pressure situations.
“We’ll bounce back, bring him back, and we’ll be ready to go,” Morris affirmed.
What Lies Ahead
Atlanta’s ability to stay atop the NFC South will require not only improved individual performances but also cohesive team efforts. The Falcons must capitalize on their remaining schedule, starting with their matchup against the Vikings on December 8. As they prepare for the final stretch, all eyes will be on Cousins and Pitts to deliver when it matters most.
While questions persist, one thing is certain: Morris is not abandoning the players who have brought the Falcons to this point. Whether this approach leads to a playoff berth or further disappointment remains to be seen, but for now, the Falcons’ fate is firmly in their own hands.
