NFL insider provides update on Kirk Cousins' job security

Kirk Cousins has one important supporter as pressure mounts for the Falcons to turn to 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. as the team's starting quarterback: head coach Raheem Morris.

On Saturday morning, The Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini reported that "Morris is confident Cousins will bounce back" from a rough three-game stretch.

The Falcons are 0-3 since Week 10, averaging 12 points per game. Cousins has performed poorly, going 65-of-104 (62.5 percent) for 724 yards, six interceptions, four fumbles and zero touchdowns.

Cousins leads the league in interceptions (13) and fumbles (12) this season. In Week 14, he plays the Vikings (10-2) in his first game back in Minnesota since leaving in free agency.

Morris' confidence might be misguided.

The Vikings are one of the league's best teams at generating pressure, ranking fourth in pressure rate (27 percent). Per Pro Football Focus, Cousins has struggled under duress, going 64-of-114 (56.1 percent) in 139 dropbacks, throwing for 828 yards, five touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Despite his recent struggles and a daunting matchup on Sunday, Russini reports Morris isn't likely to turn to Penix, whom the Falcons selected at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

"The team isn't listening to those clamoring for Michael Penix Jr.," wrote Russini, adding, "I'm told no internal discussions of a QB switch have happened at this point."

Last season at Washington, Penix Jr. led FBS in passing (4,903 yards) and finished second in Heisman voting while leading the Huskies to the national championship game.

Russini cautions that circumstances could force Morris to reconsider his stance, but that would only happen if Cousins continues to disappoint.

"We'll see if anything shifts as the season winds down," noted Russini, "especially if the team decides it needs a spark to claim the division it was expected to dominate."

According to Fox Sports, the Falcons (-130) were a significant preseason favorite in the NFC South, a division the Buccaneers have won the past three seasons. 

The Buccaneers (6-6) are tied with the Falcons for the division lead and have a slightly more manageable schedule for the rest of the season. Four of Tampa Bay's five remaining opponents currently have a losing record compared to three for Atlanta.

The Falcons' season is slipping away, but don't expect Penix Jr. to save them. Instead, Morris is leaning on the player who got them into this mess.