Falcons Bench Kirk Cousins For Rookie Michael Penix, Jr
Big Penix Energy: Falcons Bench Kirk Cousins For Rookie Michael Penix, Jr
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After 14 games, the Kirk Cousins era may be over.
The Atlanta Falcons announced that Cousins has been benched for rookie, Michael Penix, Jr. In the last 5 games, Cousins has struggled, passing for 1,180 yards, 1 touchdown, 9 interceptions, and a passer rating of 63.8. Cousins led the league in interceptions with 16. In Monday’s 15-9 victory versus the Las Vegas Raiders, Cousins completed 17 passes for 112 yards but never made it to the red zone. This season, Cousins has thrown for 3,508 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. His completion percentage is 66.9%, and he has a passer rating of 88.6.
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In a statement released by the team, head coach Raheem Morris said “After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward. This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in March 2024. The contract included $100 million in guarantees and a $50 million signing bonus. His 2024 and 2025 salaries are fully guaranteed. The contract also features $10 million roster bonuses due in 2026 and 2027. For 2024, his salary cap charge is $25 million. However, two months later, the team drafted Penix, Jr from the University of Washington with the 8th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In 2023, Penix Jr. had an impressive season with the Washington Huskies. He led the NCAA in passing yards with 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for 8 yards and scored 3 rushing touchdowns, contributing to a total of 39 touchdowns for the season.
The Falcons are 1-4 in their last five games and are currently one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South and they hold the tiebreaker. With games against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and in-division rival Carolina Panthers, The Falcons will look to Penix to right the ship and take the team to the playoffs.
Source: Pro Football Talk
