Kirk Cousins ​​throws four picks, Chargers beat Falcons 17-13

It might be time for the Falcons to have a difficult conversation about their quarterback.

Kirk Cousins ​​​​threw four interceptions in Sunday’s game against the Chargers, helping Los Angeles to a 17-13 victory.

While the Falcons’ defense played well, Cousins’ play got Atlanta into trouble – especially in the second half. After the Falcons took a 10-9 lead midway through the third quarter, Cousins ​​threw his second interception of the day to corner Tarheeb Still. In this one, Still scored 61 yards for a pick-six, giving the Chargers a 17-10 lead.

Cousins ​​then threw another interception in the red zone in the fourth quarter — a play made worse by preparation. The Chargers faced a fourth-and-4 at their own 36 and opted for a fake punt that was stopped 1 yard short of a turnover on downs.

But Cousins’ third turnover ended the ensuing drive. On third-and-13, Cousins ​​curiously fired what looked like a jump ball to Darnell Mooney, which Marcus Maye easily intercepted for a touchback.

Still, the Falcons had a chance to win with a drive late in the game. On the fourth and fourth play after the two-minute warning, a defensive hold order kept the chains moving.

But finally, Cousins ​​threw his fourth interception – safety Derwin James stepped in front of a pass intended for Drake London on fourth-and-12 to effectively end the game.

Cousins ​​finished the game 24 of 39 for 245 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. Bijan Robinson scored the team’s only touchdown when he got into the end zone for a 2-yard score in the first quarter.

Younghoe Koo, who entered the weekend questionable with a hip injury, missed a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. But I made attempts from 41 and 26 yards.

Cousins’ performance negated a strong defensive performance for Atlanta, as the club held Justin Herbert to just 16 of 23 passes for 147 yards. Gus Edwards led the team with 32 yards rushing. Ladd McConkey led the team with nine catches for 117 yards, but no other Chargers player had more than two catches.

McConkey was dealing with a shoulder injury but also suffered a knee injury and was listed as questionable late in the fourth quarter.

With the win, the Chargers are 8-4 and have an important matchup next week against the 11-1 Chiefs.

The Falcons are now 6-6 and Cousins ​​hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in the team’s last three games. With No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix waiting in the wings, the club has a lot to evaluate with its quarterback play.

Atlanta will play Minnesota on the road in Week 14.