The Atlanta Falcons invested $180 million to acquire the services of quarterback Kirk Cousins. With a record of 6-5 and three consecutive losses, it seems that this investment is not paying dividends. However, some analysts consider that it is not all the fault of the signal-caller, but of head coach Raheem Morris.
Beyond the questions caused by the signing of Cousins the same year that the Falcons picked quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the Draft, the situation of the 12-year veteran is one of the most confusing in the NFL.
Throughout his career, Cousins has stood out as a quarterback who gives good results under center, in dropbacks, or formations that do not require too much mobility. Instead, Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson have insisted on using the worst option for a quarterback like Cousins: the Pistol formation.
Kirk Cousins’ Kryptonite
There’s no doubt Cousins is going through a slump in his performance. The Falcons’ signal-caller has battled injuries, and his mobility has diminished even more over the years. However, Athlon Sports analyst Doug Farrar attributes much of the Falcons’ struggles to the stubbornness of Morris and Robinson.
Farrar noted that Atlanta is the team that uses the Pistol formation the most, with 129 snaps in 2023 and 108 so far in 2024. “Here’s the problem,” the analyst explained, “Throughout his career, Cousins has never played out of the Pistol formation to a high degree, and it’s not something he looks comfortable executing.”
Cousins himself has said that he has had difficulty standing in the Pistol. “Back in April, I said, ‘I just feel like I’m closed off to the right.’ Handing the ball off, the back is on you really quick in the Pistol,” the quarterback explained, noting that he feels more comfortable under center.
Robinson does not plan to change his philosophy
On November 27, shortly before the painful 17-13 loss to the Chargers, the Falcons’ offensive coordinator ruled out a change of direction. “Well, let’s just stick with this, with our quick game and our dropback [implying more Pistol]. So, throwing the football, we’ve been fairly consistent,” Robinson said.
With only five games remaining, including a dangerous visit to the Minnesota Vikings, Morris has little time to save his season. If changing his system is not an option, perhaps giving the ball to the young Penix is the most immediate solution. Whatever he decides to do, it has to be fast, or he risks losing the playoff berth.
