Kirk Cousins Won't Be Benched for Michael Penix Jr. After 4 INTs, Falcons HC Says

The Atlanta Falcons aren't considering a quarterback change.

After Kirk Cousins threw four interceptions during a 17-13 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that Cousins would remain the starter over rookie Michael Penix Jr. moving forward (via Josh Kendall of The Athletic).

"I have no doubt in my mind he's going to bounce back and be ready to go, especially against his former team," Morris said in regards to Cousins, per Kendall.

Atlanta fell to 6-6 with the loss.

"I have to play better," Cousins said after the game, per Zak Keefer of The Athletic. "You take responsibility and go back and watch it with a really critical eye and say, 'OK, how can I make sure this never happens again?' Felt like that was a game we had a chance to win if I had played at the standard I expect to play."

Cousins finished 24-of-39 for 245 yards in addition to his quartet of interceptions. He was also sacked once.

The Falcons jumped out to an early 7-0 lead due to a rushing touchdown by Bijan Robinson in the first quarter, but they were held to just six points for the remainder of the contest. Los Angeles was aided in its comeback effort by Cousins, as his second interception was returned for a go-ahead touchdown.

The veteran signal-caller has thrown for 3,052 yards and 17 touchdowns while getting picked off 13 times during his first 12 games in Atlanta.

Cousins hasn't been able to meet expectations after signing a massive four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in free agency. Atlanta finished at 7-10 record in 2023 with a sluggish offense, hoping that the four-time Pro Bowl passer would help the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

After signing Cousins, the Falcons selected Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The 24-year-old was coming off an impressive senior campaign at Washington, recording 4,903 pass yards and 36 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions.

Penix looked comfortable in the preseason, finishing 9-of-16 for 104 yards in limited action.

Despite Cousins' disheartening performance against the Chargers, the Falcons still hold a narrow lead at the top of the NFL South standings.

With Atlanta looking to secure a playoff spot down the stretch of the regular season, Morris is sticking with Cousins under center.