Why Falcons sticking with Kirk Cousins entering Vikings reunion

Five NFC teams that missed the 2023 playoffs enter Week 14 at .500 or better. Two of those clubs, the Falcons (6-6) and Vikings (10-2), square off this week. Before kickoff, it’ll be a Kirk Cousins reunion. By late afternoon, it could be a Kirk Cousins revenge.

That’s the hope of Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris, who said he would stick with Cousins on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, FOX) despite a steep dip in his production and an uncharacteristic four interceptions. While Morris acknowledged the former Minnesota quarterback had a tough game, and knows he’s gone the longest stretch of his career without a touchdown pass, Morris silenced any talk of Michael Penix replacing Cousins.

“Got to go to Minnesota and get a big-time win and Kirk’s ready to go,” Morris said Wednesday. “…You know realistically, man, he is built for this and he’s ready to go.

“He’s done a great job with us, and I have no real qualms about him bouncing back and him being able to play the game the way it needs to be done. He’s still an elite processor. He has the ability to make all the throws. He’s shown that throughout the year.”

If he shows it on Sunday, Cousins may want to do it early and often. That’s because Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings have a penchant for winning close contests. In games decided by eight-or-fewer points, O’Connell is 24-9 (.727). This season, only Kansas City (9-0) has a better winning percentage than Minnesota (7-1, .875) in such games.

Cousins played six years (2018-23) in Minnesota and left second on the franchise’s all-time list with 171 touchdown passes, third with 23,265 passing yards. Among Vikings quarterbacks who made at least 13 starts, he ranks first in franchise history with a 101.2 passer rating.

“When I arrived there as a free agent, they took a chance on me,” Cousins said Wednesday. “Ownership took a chance. The organization did. I think, too, of so many teammates who gave so much to help me and coaches who gave so much to help me. The support staff, from nutrition, weight room, equipment and training crew, they really got me through my Achilles’ tear and were just on it the moment I tore it until I left in free agency.”

And since Cousins left in free agency, his first season in Atlanta has been up and down. From the moment the Falcons selected Penix eighth overall in April’s draft, the franchise has presented a unified message that it’s committed to a patient, long-term transfer of quarterback power. Penix barely saw the field in the preseason, in line with the vote of confidence Morris gave Cousins this week.

But Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot likely didn’t envision this type of trough when they drafted Penix. Set aside the Cousins revenge factor; Atlanta desperately needs a win on Sunday simply to stay ahead of Tampa Bay (6-6) in the NFC South. When Cousins was at his best earlier this year, the Falcons secured two critical wins over the Buccaneers. But those wins only factor into a tie in the standings. They mean nothing if Tampa Bay finishes at least a game ahead.

The Vikings will be the first to respect Cousins, especially at U.S. Bank Stadium. In 44 career starts at the facility, all with the Vikings, he’s 28-16 with a 103.3 passer rating, 88 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. And even if Cousins can’t lead the Falcons to a win in his old home, Atlanta has a favorable remaining schedule. So, don’t write off Cousins just yet but keep an eye on what figures to be an exciting finish in the NFC South.

For more information on the Falcons and Vikings, visit the Atlanta and Minnesota team pages at ProFootballPost.com.