MNF preview: Is Kirk Cousins broken?

5 Questions with The Falcoholic

Something has to give in Week 15 on Monday Night Football as it’s a battle between a nine-game losing streak and a four-game losing streak with the Las Vegas Raiders taking on the Atlanta Falcons. To preview the matchup, Tre’Shon Diaz from our friends at The Falcoholic was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Falcons for Raider Nation.

Q: What’s going on with Kirk Cousins? Is there a chance he gets benched this season, and is there any regret about signing him this offseason?

A: Cousins’ mobility, or lack thereof, has held back the offense and his play this year. While never known as a mobile quarterback, the 13-year veteran has always excelled at running play-action. His newfound limitations have taken away boot action concepts, which has hurt the offense for most of the year.

Cousins has tried to overcome these limitations with too much hero ball. I don’t believe the Falcons have any regrets just yet. Cousins was brought in to lead Atlanta to its first winning season in seven years and compete for the division title. Both those goals are still well within reach. In terms of benching, I do not foresee that taking place.

Q: Building on that, the Falcons’ four-game losing streak has cost them the NFC South lead heading into the final month of the season. What’s the confidence level of the team turning it around and making the playoffs? Outside of Cousins/quarterback play, what needs to change to flip the switch?

A: Nothing needs to change beyond the quarterback’s decision-making. Atlanta can’t change its personnel on defense; it is what it is, and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake has squeezed more out of the group recently.

The confidence level that the team can turn it around is a 6/10. The recent struggles cannot be ignored, but neither can the good play that had them leading the division. If Cousins can dial back the mental errors, this team has a shot at running the table.

Q: Given the defense’s pass-rush struggles—Atlanta ranks last in the NFL with 19 sacks—is there any buyer’s remorse with taking Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the draft instead of an edge rusher? Or has Cousins’ recent struggles eased those concerns?

Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

A: Based on Cousins’ current play, it’s hard to feel buyer’s remorse with Penix, there’s a good chance he’s the starter next year.

In the last two games, the Falcons have accumulated 9/19 sacks. This isn’t the most talented group, but the injury woes of linebacker Troy Andersen have held the unit back more than anything.

Andersen has been on the field for 10 of the Falcons’ 19 sacks. He is the key that unlocks Kaden Elliss, who, when Andersen is hurt, has to do a lot more coverage duty than the team would like. Elliss is currently second among all LBs in terms of pressure while being held back. With Andersen back, the pass rush concerns have been tabled for now.

Q: Bijan Robinson has quickly become a premier running back in the NFL, with 2024 being just his second year in the league. What has he brought to Atlanta’s offense?

A: He is the Atlanta offense.

Bijan is the youngest player since Saquon Barkley to surpass 2,500 all-purpose yards. Robinson has become a huge addition in the passing game, not just as a receiver. The running back has a case for being the best blocking back in the league this year, consistently drilling pass rushers all year.

Q: It feels like Kyle Pitts has been a polarizing player since he was drafted four years ago. Has his production increased this year in the new offense, and where do Falcons fans stand with Pitts right now?

A: Kyle Pitts’ 2024 season is an enigma. When targeted, the tight end has been a legitimate vertical threat, but those targets have been slim. He’s on pace to finish with a better statistical season than 2022 or 2023, but fans still aren’t satisfied.

Zac Robinson runs a Sean McVay-style offense; within it, the tight end is not a focal point. Pitts is primarily used for clearout routes and is essentially the fourth or fifth option in the scheme. Pitts did have two drops against Minnesota, but those were statistical outliers, the tight end has three on the entire season.

The majority of Falcons fans have given up on Pitts and would like a fresh start, and that’s probably what’s best for both sides.