"He’s getting benched soon" - NFL fans blast Kirk Cousins after Falcons QB struggles massively vs. Vikings in revenge game

The Week 14 clash between the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings at U.S Bank Stadium was a special occasion for Kirk Cousins. It was the veteran quarterback's first game against the team he spent six seasons with and was keen on having a good outing. However, it was a forgettable return to Minnesota.

Cousins finished the game with 23 completions for 344 yards but tossed two interceptions, including an egregious one in the fourth quarter, and failed to find a teammate twice on fourth down. Those turnovers proved to be backbreakers for the Falcons, who lost 42-21 and dropped to 6-7.

His dismal outing prompted fans on social media to conclude that he'd soon find himself on the bench:

Some fans and analysts are perplexed about Atlanta still sticking with the veteran and not handing over the reins to rookie Michael Penix Jr.:

"I speak for ALL Falcons fans. we are done with Kirk Cousins. Start Michael Penix!" - Said @Gallosavedme

"Has any quarterback made more money without winning an important game than Kirk Cousins. He's done done. Time for Penix." - Wrote @WhitlockJason

"I want to see Michael Penix take over for Atlanta now" - Pleaded @owentooelve

Kirk Cousins stats: QB's dismal form continues

After their win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9, where Kirk Cousins completed 19 of his 24 pass attempts for 222 yards and three touchdowns, the Falcons, who improved to 6-3, looked primed to sprint to the finish line in the race for the NFC South division title.

But they have lost four straight games since and have surrendered the top spot in their division to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their downward spiral coincides with their quarterback's woeful form.

In the last four games, Cousins has thrown eight interceptions and no touchdowns. They have been outscored 117-57. The veteran's ineffective play hasn't been the sole reason for the Falcons' astonishing and swift downfall but it has played a major role.

Atlanta drafted Micheal Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft to sit behind Cousins so they could seamlessly transition from an aging veteran to a young star on a rookie deal in the near future. However, given the latter's horrendous form, it might be time for the Falcons to expedite the succession process.