Falcons quarterback change/ Michael Penix starter/ Kirk Cousins benched/ Atlanta playoff hopes/ rookie quarterback NFL/ ATLANTA/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Atlanta Falcons have named rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins after recent struggles. The change comes as the Falcons fight for their first playoff berth since 2017, with Penix stepping in ahead of Sunday’s game against the Giants.
Falcons Name Michael Penix Starting QB: Quick Looks
- New Starter: Rookie Michael Penix Jr. replaces Kirk Cousins as Falcons’ quarterback.
- Cousins’ Struggles: Cousins leads the NFL with 16 interceptions this season.
- Playoff Stakes: Falcons are 7-7 and trail Tampa Bay by one game in the NFC South.
- Penix’s Stats: Appeared in two games, completing 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards.
- Morris’ Decision: Head coach Raheem Morris emphasizes this as a “football decision.”
- Cousins’ Season: Passed for 3,508 yards but with an 18-16 touchdown-interception ratio.
- Upcoming Game: Falcons face the New York Giants in a must-win matchup.
Michael Penix Jr. Named Falcons Starting Quarterback
Deep Look
The Atlanta Falcons have made a pivotal change at quarterback, naming rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starter for the remainder of the season. Head coach Raheem Morris announced the decision Tuesday night, citing a need to improve the team’s performance as they push for their first playoff appearance in seven years.
A Struggling Veteran
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, signed to a four-year, $180 million deal in the offseason, has faced mounting struggles. Over the past five games, Cousins has thrown nine interceptions, leading the NFL with 16 this season. His performance during Monday night’s 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders included a single touchdown pass and just 112 passing yards.
“It’s not where I want to be,” Cousins said after the game. “There’s a lot of room for improvement.”
Morris acknowledged that Cousins’ confidence appeared shaken, adding,
“He’s not trying to sugarcoat it for himself. … You’re not going to have that same confidence and swagger you had earlier in the season.”
Enter Michael Penix Jr.
Penix, drafted eighth overall, was initially expected to sit out his rookie year and develop behind Cousins. However, Morris believes Penix is ready to lead the team now, especially with the Falcons still in playoff contention.
Penix’s college career included a standout season at Washington in 2023, where he passed for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns. In limited NFL action this season, he has completed 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards.
Morris praised Penix’s preparedness and professionalism:
“You could never say there’s a downside to turning it over to someone you’ve invested in, someone who’s done nothing but the right thing since being here.”
Playoff Implications
The Falcons sit at 7-7, one game behind NFC South leader Tampa Bay but holding a tiebreaker advantage. With three games remaining, including Sunday’s critical matchup against the New York Giants, the team’s postseason hopes are still alive.
Looking Ahead
This change marks a significant shift for the Falcons, who signed Cousins with the expectation that he could provide stability at quarterback. While Cousins’ early-season performance contributed to a 6-3 start, his recent struggles have forced the team to accelerate Penix’s timeline.
As the Falcons approach their remaining games, all eyes will be on Penix to see if the rookie can deliver under pressure and lead Atlanta to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
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