The Falcons ended their four-game winning streak in Las Vegas on Monday night. Likewise, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​ended his terrible drought with no touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

But Cousins ​​had his fifth straight game with a passer rating below 80, on 17 attempts, 11 completions, 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

He was also sacked three times and fumbled once. (He found it again.)

Coach Raheem Morris, who has said Cousins ​​will not be used for rookie Michael Penix, Jr., was more blunt than ever about Cousins’ performance.

“He has to play betterMorris told reporters after the game, via Josh Kendall of TheAthletic.com. “We have to find a way to make him play better. We have to play better at the quarterback position.”

Yes, they do. They should have beat the Raiders much more convincingly than they did. And they’re still one game behind the Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South.

Atlanta ends with the Giants, the Commanders and the Panthers. Running the table only works if the Bucs slip up against the Cowboys, Panthers or Saints.

Miss the playoffs and it’s a given that Penix will be the man in 2025. Even if they make it, a one-and-done could mean Cousins ​​will be too.

It’s still possible the Falcons move to Penix before the end of the season. With each passing week it seems less likely.

Still, Morris said it all tonight. Cousins ​​needs to play better. You have to find a way to get him to play better. And they need to play better at the quarterback position.

At some point the only option would be to see if Penix can give them better play at the quarterback position.