The Atlanta Falcons continue to stand by the faltering Kirk Cousins after he was upstaged by Sam Darnold on a brutal return to Minnesota.

On Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings secured an epic 42-21 win over the Falcons. Cousins endured a difficult return to Minnesota, as the veteran was outclassed by Darnold while his staggering midseason slump continued.

Darnold threw for 347 yards and a career-high five touchdowns to post a 157.9 rating in the win over Atlanta. On the other side, Cousins threw for 344 yards without a score, tossing two interceptions with a 70.1 rating.

Earlier this offseason, Cousins signed a four-year deal worth up to $180 million to head to the NFC South. His exit in free agency brought an end to his six-year run with the Vikings, where he twice led the franchise to the playoffs.

Last season, Cousins was arguably playing the best football of his career before going down with his season-ending Achilles injury. He is now struggling for form in Atlanta, with cries for rookie quarterback Michael Penix to be inserted getting louder with each passing week.

Remarkably, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris continues to resist bringing in Penix by throwing his weight behind the misfiring Cousins. Morris told reporters: “Everything is always discussed when you go watch the tape, but Kirk Cousins is our quarterback. Kirk played significantly better than he did the week before. We’ll do whatever is best to win football games, and Kirk is definitely a part of that.”

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Kirk Cousins is set to remain the Falcons starter despite his dismal form

Kirk Cousins is set to remain the Falcons starter despite his dismal form ( 

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When asked if he considered bringing in Penix against the Vikings, Morris declared: “Not today. Not today. I wanted to go finish his deal out here in Minnesota, and go out and play the game like he wanted to play. That was my decision, and my decision alone.”

While Cousins headed to Atlanta, the Vikings inked Darnold to a one-year deal before selecting J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The move proved to be inspired; Darnold has led the Vikings to an 11-2 record with the journeyman quarterback enjoying a phenomenal season.

Cousins threw two interceptions in Minnesota, giving him no touchdowns and eight picks in his past four games – all losses – as the Falcons’ hold on the division continues to loosen. Ultimately, Darnold outplayed Cousins in every metric on a torrid return for the veteran.

Given their incredible, unexpected success, the Vikings will have a decision to make in the offseason. McCarthy should be healthy enough to step in as the starter, but if Darnold wins a playoff game or two, a serious conversation regarding his future will be had. He is set to hit free agency once again, with his form likely to lead to a lucrative long-term deal.

The 11-2 Vikings are next in action against the Chicago Bears while the 6-7 Falcons will hope to get back to winning ways on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders. Both contests are on Monday Night Football on Dec. 16.