Morris: Falcons won't bench Cousins despite 4-INT game vs. Chargers

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said he won't bench Kirk Cousins after the quarterback threw four interceptions in Atlanta's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

"We've got no issues with (Cousins). That guy has carried us," Morris said postgame Sunday. "He's done such a marvelous job. It's hard to throw that guy under the bus.

"Kirk was brought here to put us in a playoff position. ... Everything is still right in front of us. We're still sticking with our plan."

Morris said the team didn't consider substituting Michael Penix late in the game. He added that he has "no doubt" Cousins will bounce back.

Penix has only played five snaps in two games after being selected eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Cousins threw four interceptions Sunday, including one to Chargers safety Derwin James in the final 45 seconds. It's the most he's had in a game since Sept. 25, 2014. The Falcons have now lost three straight contests.

"That was a game we had a chance to win if I played up to my standard," Cousins said. "I need to play at a level that justifies being out there. That's the way I've always looked at it."

Cousins has struggled with the Falcons after leaving the Minnesota Vikings in this past offseason. He's recorded his fewest yards per game (254.3) since the 2019 campaign and his second-lowest touchdown percentage (4.3) since 2016. He has 13 interceptions through 12 games, which is the second highest of his 13-year career.

The Falcons will take on the 10-2 Vikings next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.