In a stunning midseason shakeup, the Atlanta Falcons have benched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie sensation Michael Penix Jr. The bold move comes after Cousins struggled with turnovers in recent weeks, tossing nine interceptions over his last five games. While the Falcons sit just one game out of first place in the NFC South at 7-7, head coach Raheem Morris felt compelled to make a change under center to jumpstart the offense and keep Atlanta’s playoff hopes alive.
Cousins Vows to Support Penix
Despite the surprise benching, Cousins is taking the high road and pledging his full support for the rookie quarterback. In his first comments since the QB switch, the classy veteran made it clear he’ll do whatever he can to help Penix succeed.
“I called [Penix] and let him know I’d be in his corner and supporting him and trying to help him any way I can,” Cousins revealed. “I like to shoot elephants in the room, so I just wanted to shoot one.”
– Kirk Cousins on reaching out to Michael Penix Jr.
The 36-year-old Cousins, who led the Falcons to the playoffs last season, hasn’t played up to his typical standard in 2024. His 16 interceptions and 12 fumbles are both tied for the most in the NFL. Still, the three-time Pro Bowler expressed to Coach Morris that he’ll be “the best No. 2 quarterback in the National Football League” moving forward.
Cousins: “I Didn’t Forget How to Play”
While acknowledging his turnover woes, Cousins made it clear he still has plenty left in the tank. “I didn’t forget how to play quarterback,” Cousins stated confidently. “Certainly turnovers were not what you want, but I didn’t forget how to play.”
Cousins, who returned in 2023 after missing the previous season with a torn Achilles, emphasized that he’s not dealing with any physical limitations. The QB pointed to “decision-making” as the primary culprit behind his giveaways.
Penix Gets His Shot
Now the keys to the Falcons’ offense belong to Penix, the electric rookie from Washington who’s flashed tantalizing potential in limited action. The strong-armed Penix will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the lowly Giants as Atlanta looks to keep pace in the wide-open NFC South.
- Falcons Playoff Odds (via FPI): 29% after Penix is named starter
- Cousins 2024 Stats: 19 TD, 16 INT, 58% comp pct, 84.5 QB rating
While Cousins faces an uncertain future in Atlanta beyond 2024, the consummate pro is keeping his focus on the present. “You roll with it and now you still get ready – ‘one play away’ kind of a thing – and support Mike and just try to help our team find a way to win these last three to get in the playoffs,” Cousins said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
A New Era in Atlanta?
The Penix era begins Sunday against a Giants squad that’s dropped 11 straight. It’s a golden opportunity for the rookie QB to build confidence and settle in as the new face of the Falcons franchise. With a dominant defense and elite weapons like Kyle Pitts and Drake London at his disposal, Penix has a chance to author a storybook ending to this rollercoaster Falcons season.
As for Cousins, the $88 million quarterback must now embrace an unfamiliar backup role. But if Penix falters or gets injured, the veteran will be waiting in the wings, ready to shoot his shot at redemption. In a league where fortunes change faster than bitcoin, Cousins is just one play away from reclaiming his starting throne.
