Can Michael Penix Jr. Lead a Falcons Playoff Push?
In the world of NFL, where the unexpected is often the norm, the Atlanta Falcons have made a bold move that has fans and analysts buzzing. Kirk Cousins, a seasoned quarterback who joined the Falcons with high hopes and a hefty contract, finds himself on the bench as the team turns to rookie Michael Penix Jr. This decision comes after a series of performances that left much to be desired from Cousins, and it raises several intriguing questions about the future of the Falcons and their playoff aspirations.
Let’s dive into the details of this surprising quarterback switch and explore what it means for the team, the players, and the fans.
Why Make the Move Now?
Marc Raimondi: Falcons coach Raheem Morris had made it clear during the preseason that a quarterback change would be considered if the current starter could no longer secure victories. Kirk Cousins, despite a promising start to the season, saw his performance decline dramatically. During Atlanta’s 6-3 start, Cousins was impressive, ranking fourth in passing yards (2,328) and tying for fourth in passing touchdowns with 17. He was one of only eight players to have multiple games with four passing touchdowns this season.
However, things took a turn for the worse. From Weeks 10-14, Cousins became the first player since Brett Favre in 2005 to throw at least eight interceptions without a passing touchdown in a four-game span. This alarming trend led to a lack of trust from the coaching staff, evident when Cousins didn’t throw a pass on first down in the first half of a recent game and had only 17 pass attempts in total.
What Does the Falcons’ Remaining Schedule Look Like and What Are Their Playoff Chances?
Raimondi: Michael Penix Jr. will make his first regular-season start against the 2-12 New York Giants on Sunday at home (1 p.m., ET, Fox). The Falcons are 8-point favorites for this matchup. Following this, the Falcons will visit the Washington Commanders for a game that has been flexed to “Sunday Night Football.” Atlanta will then finish the season at home against the Carolina Panthers. These are three winnable games, and the Falcons should aim to win at least two of them. This could potentially save their season, or at the very least, provide Penix with valuable experience heading into 2025.
What Will the Reaction Be in the Locker Room?
Raimondi: The reaction within the Falcons’ locker room is expected to be even-keeled. The team would have continued to support Cousins if he remained the starter, but now they will rally behind Penix. Since his arrival, Penix has been a supportive and class act, earning the respect of his teammates. Notably, he was given the locker next to safety Jessie Bates III, a team leader and one of the most respected players in the NFL. Bates has taken Penix under his wing, keeping him motivated and ready for when the team would need him.
How Did Penix Look in Preseason and How Can He Spark the Offense?
Raimondi: During the preseason, Penix played in one game, completing 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards without a touchdown or interception against the Miami Dolphins. The Falcons chose not to play him in their other two preseason games, with Coach Morris stating they had seen enough of him. In training camp, Penix showed some inconsistency, which is not unusual for a rookie. However, he also made some impressive throws that demonstrated why the Falcons were confident enough to draft him at No. 8. His arm talent is undeniable, and he could bring a new dynamic to the Falcons’ offense, especially with Cousins struggling to throw the deep ball and losing velocity.
What Does This Mean for Cousins’ Future in Atlanta?
Jeremy Fowler: The future for Kirk Cousins in Atlanta appears bleak. It’s hard to envision a scenario where the team turns back to Cousins in 2025. The Falcons have made it clear in their statement that Penix is the quarterback “moving forward,” indicating they are not looking back. This leaves Cousins and the team to weigh their options. Cousins’ contract is tradeable, and while paying him $62.5 million in guarantees for 14 starts is painful, his only guarantee for next year is his $27.5 million base salary. There will be suitors for a capable veteran quarterback like Cousins.
At least five teams currently scheduled to draft in the top 10 in April need quarterback help, but the supply won’t meet the demand in a class considered weaker at the position. Atlanta, low on leverage due to the benching, could offer to cover some of the salary to facilitate a deal. Although Cousins’ market may not be as robust as younger, more productive options like Sam Darnold, Cousins could potentially sell improved mobility to potential landing spots in his second season after his Achilles tear. It only takes one team to believe in his remaining skill set, and Cousins has been chosen for the Pro Bowl four times, as recently as 2022.
Originally Written by: Marc Raimondi,Jeremy Fowler
