ATL Standard

The Atlanta Falcons are maintaining their course as they approach their Week 15 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kirk Cousins will remain the starting quarterback, despite recent losses. Head coach Raheem Morris has reiterated his confidence in Cousins, stating, "You got to believe and you got to have the resolve to be able to stick and stay steady-handed by a guy that you believe in."

Cousins was signed by the Falcons during free agency with a four-year, $180 million contract. Shortly after, they drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick. Although there was initial speculation about Penix's role, it has subsided until now due to the team's current record of 6-7.

"This has nothing to do with a non-belief about our backup or anything like that," Morris clarified regarding Penix's potential playtime. He emphasized that there is a plan for utilizing Penix when deemed appropriate.

The Falcons remain in playoff contention despite losing their last four games and being one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South standings. "We are essentially playing playoff type football right now," Morris stated.

Cousins acknowledged areas for improvement: "I think it'd be foolish...to just blindly stick to something even when there's clearly a fundamental you need to improve on." He hasn't thrown a touchdown since Week 9 but remains committed to refining his performance.

Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson offered encouragement: "Look at the amount of production you've had...there's been a ton of good football throughout the course of the season."

As Cousins works on adjustments, he credits support from T.J. Yates, D.J. Williams, and Robinson: "That's why I always say the quarterback room is like a working force together."

Despite no major changes planned for Monday’s game against Las Vegas, Cousins is focusing on essential minor tweaks: "For the nature of trying not to tell the Raiders something," he added, "I will keep that close to the vest."