Even though things haven’t gone his way lately, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins continues to show up and face the music. Despite being benched on Tuesday, Cousins didn’t vanish from the team or suddenly need a mysterious surgery.
The veteran quarterback met with the media on Wednesday afternoon to discuss losing his job and his future in the NFL.
“It’s pro football and there’s a standard that I have for myself and the organization has for me, and I wasn’t playing up to that standard,” said Cousins, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.
The Falcons made the switch to rookie Michael Penix Jr. after an underwhelming five-game stretch by Cousins. The 36-year-old has thrown for one touchdown and nine interceptions since Week 10.
Atlanta was able to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, but Cousins didn’t play well. Going forward, there’s sure to be another team that will have some interest in the Falcons No. 2 QB. For now, though, Cousins will focus on backing up Penix and worry about the future down the line.
“I didn’t forget how to play quarterback,” Cousins responded when asked about what the future holds.
Kirk Cousins on his future with the organization: “It’s one day at a time right now. The offseason is when those conversations happen.”
Not to that time yet.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) December 18, 2024
For the season, Cousins has passed for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions for a passer rating of 88.6. Penix has appeared in two games in relief of Cousins, completing three of five pass attempts for 38 yards.
The rookie will make his first NFL start this weekend against the New York Giants at home. Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.