The Atlanta Falcons (7-7) may have won 15-9 against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) on Dec. 16, but many fans are growing frustrated with quarterback Kirk Cousins’ on-field woes. Although Cousins ended a four-game touchdown drought with a TD pass, he only threw for a season-low 112 yards on 11 of 17 passing and logged his 16th interception of the season.
In the second half, the Falcons threw for just 28 yards, relying almost entirely on the running game. The team’s offense was carried by rookie running back Bijan Robinson, who rushed for 125 of Atlanta’s 168 rushing yards.
Kirk Cousins’ Performance Against the Raiders Left Fans Frustrated
Given the performance, social media is alight with Cousins dwindling stats. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell reported how the Falcons ran the ball 23 times out of 24 first-and-10 situations, with the only passing attempt being Cousins’ interception. Fans on X reacted to the stats in the comments.
“Wild,” a fan said.
Cousins’ 16 interceptions on the season are buoyed by only 18 passing touchdowns. Over the past month, Cousins and Desmond Ridder (who was traded after Cousins signed) both have the same amount of TD passes, which is one.
Over the past month, Desmond Ridder and Kirk Cousins have the same amount of TD passes (1). 👀 pic.twitter.com/3kJwLXoqIk
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 17, 2024
This prompted a fan to comment, “This hurts my brain.”
The quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million deal with Atlanta in March, but his play in 2024 has been underwhelming. Cousins had just 95 passing yards after three quarters of the Raiders game, even when playing indoors against a team with only two wins this season and missing its top defensive player.
To this, a fan said, “They have no confidence in Cousins.”
“Idek how you can logically defend how he’s still in the game,” a fan wrote.
“Kirk will forever go down as the man, the legend, who fleeced the whole NFL with making like 400 million as a mid QB,” another fan said.
Another stat noted that the QB has accumulated nine interceptions in his last five games.
Which elicited a fan saying, “Bring Penix out.”
Michael Penix Jr. was drafted eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and many fans are calling for him to replace Cousins.