The Atlanta Falcons have taken over first place in an NFC South race that’s going to come back right down to the wire within the remaining two weeks of the common season.
Nonetheless, the quarterback who helped beat the New York Giants on Sunday wasn’t Kirk Cousins – the $180 million man they signed to a four-year deal this offseason.
It was Michael Penix Jr., the rookie first-round choose. Many had been shocked when the Falcons known as his title as a result of that they had simply signed the veteran Cousins a month in the past.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks throughout a information convention after the 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photograph/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Cousins’ play, although, had been faltering of late, and one NFL Corridor of Famer was blunt along with his evaluation of him this yr after Penix appeared good in his first NFL begin.
“Persistently mediocre. That’s what Kirk has been this yr,” Giants nice Michael Strahan mentioned, by way of the Daily Mail. “Everytime you’re an amazing participant in your thoughts, you’re nonetheless that. However generally, your ability degree diminishes, and it drops.
“You don’t know when it’s going to occur, it might probably occur at any level within the season. I feel for Kirk Cousins, it occurred now.”
FALCONS EXPECTED TO RELEASE KIRK COUSINS AFTER JUST ONE SEASON FOLLOWING LACKLUSTER PLAY: REPORT
The Falcons had been 7-7 below Cousins, however head coach Raheem Morris made a change after Atlanta’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders noticed extra maligned offensive drives identical to those in latest weeks with Cousins below heart.
However the 36-year-old, who’s coming off a torn Achilles from the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, was part of 4 straight losses earlier than that 15-9 win over the Raiders. In that span, Cousins didn’t throw a single landing and had eight interceptions.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs the ball towards the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photograph/Mike Stewart)
So, after throwing only one landing and one more interception, Morris made the swap regardless of the Falcons being in such a good playoff race.
Penix’s debut noticed no landing passes, however he was fast along with his decision-making and on time with the ball to his receivers as he threw for 202 yards on 18-of-27 by way of the air. He additionally had an interception on his stat sheet, although tight finish Kyle Pitts juggled a go close to the purpose line that was in the end picked off.
With Penix taking the reins transferring ahead, Strahan believes that Cousins should play the mentor function.
“Maintain him round, let him train Michael Penix the intricacies of the sport,” Strahan mentioned. “It’s good to have that veteran affect, however I feel Kirk could have to simply humble himself to know that’s his function proper now.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins walks off the sector after throwing an interception towards the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photograph/Abbie Parr)
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There have been reviews the Falcons may minimize Cousins earlier than March to keep away from the remaining years on his contract, although $100 million was assured at signing earlier this yr.
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