Falcons make quarterback decision as Kirk Cousins’ woes continue with third straight loss

The Atlanta Falcons used their first-round pick on a quarterback back in April, but are unwilling to hand him the keys despite their veteran quarterback’s current struggles.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris showed his confidence in Kirk Cousins, who threw four interceptions in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, moving the Falcons to 6-6 on the season.

It’s the team’s third straight loss, but fortunately the NFC South is still one of the weaker in the NFL as the Falcons share first place with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​(18) plays against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)

With the prospect of a playoff spot and only five games remaining in the regular season, there has been debate about whether the Falcons should make a quarterback change.

Morris put out the fire before it could get too big.

FALCONS’ KIRK COUSINS REVEALS HOW HIS PERCEPTION CHANGED AFTER THE RELEASE OF NETFLIX’S QUARTERBACK

“I don’t think that’s going to be the issue here,” Morris said in response to a question about Cousins’ replacement, via the New York Post. “This guy carried us. This guy got us to the point where we are 6-6, first place in the division. We still have everything ahead of us, despite everything that happened today. It’s up to us to get back on our feet and find one of the best ways to win football games and there’s no better man than 18 to do that for us.”

Therefore, Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons’ first-round pick who shocked the football world months ago, will continue to sit behind Cousins ​​as his replacement.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​(18) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

But Cousins ​​knows he hasn’t lived up to his standards lately, as he threw an interception in each of the previous two games before turning in a gritty performance on Sunday. Cousins ​​also hasn’t thrown a touchdown in the last three games.

“We will make no excuses for what happened today,” Morris said. “This guy carried us all season, he did such a great job. It’s hard to throw this guy under the bus.”

The Falcons’ selection of Penix at No. 8 overall, who played for the Washington Huskies, shocked many as Cousins ​​signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed.

He saw some time on the field in big losses during the regular season, completing three of his five passes for 38 yards.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​(18) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

But Penix will continue to learn from Cousins, who will try to right things in next week’s so-called “revenge game” against his Minnesota Vikings as he returns to the team he spent the last six seasons with .

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage of Xand subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.