The Atlanta Falcons’ $180 million quarterback, Kirk Cousins, is having a tough time currently in this season. His performance in the recent 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders was disappointing, with only 112 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
So, in an extremely surprising move, the Falcons have decided to bench Cousins and start rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. instead in next week’s match.
Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been impressive in his limited appearances this season. In just two games, he completed three of five passes for 38 yards.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said about him, “If you believe in a quarterback, you have to take him, and if he sits for four or five years, that’s a great problem to have because we’re doing so well at that position.”
The Atlanta Falcons have made a bold move, benching veteran QB Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie sensation Michael Penix Jr. It's a new era for the Falcons, with hopes that this young talent can ignite the team's playoff push. 🏈✨ pic.twitter.com/42PVVrPzqO
— CHAMA CTESPN (@ChamaCtespn) December 18, 2024
With Kirk Cousins struggling despite being one of the team’s highest-paid players, the coach has decided to give Penix a big opportunity. According to head coach Raheem Morris, he will start Sunday against the New York Giants and for the rest of the season.
The Falcons hope Michael Penix Jr. can bring the energy they need to save their season. Fans have questions and mixed feelings about this big, surprising decision.
Fans react to Michael Penix Jr replacing Cousins
Undoubtedly, this is a significant development, as it is uncommon for a newly drafted rookie to successfully replace a 180-million-dollar player. Most importantly, Michael Penix Jr. is replacing Cousins for the rest of the season.
Fans went wild after hearing the announcement, and they shared mixed reactions. While those who were pissed off with Cousins’ off form reacted, “Right decision.”
@siryungyul noted, “Holy shittttt this is massive news 🤯 Michael Penix era begins in ATL. Kirk Cousins has been terrible this past month, interesting to see if Penix will be better. Falcons are stuck in no man’s land with that Kirk Cousins contract, wonder what they’ll do this offseason.”
Holy shittttt this is massive news 🤯 Michael Penix era begins in ATL. Kirk Cousins has been terrible this past month, interesting to see if Penix will be better. Falcons are stuck in no man’s land with that Kirk Cousins contract, wonder what they’ll do this offseason pic.twitter.com/96QnhCqwD9
— 🃏 уul (@siryungyul) December 18, 2024
@gp8957 noted, “Cousins was pissed when they drafted Penix because deep down I think he knew this was coming, and he knew it was coming this year. He knew his body wasn’t where he wanted it to be and having Penix made it easy to sit him down. Right decision though.”
Cousins was pissed when they drafted Penix because deep down I think he knew this was coming, and he knew it was coming this year.
— Grant (@gp8957) December 18, 2024
He knew his body wasn’t where he wanted it to be and having Penix made it easy to sit him down.
Right decision though. https://t.co/dk6QOE4c0w
@AtlasPryme tweeted, “The gap between Penix taking over from Cousins as the starter.”
@kyletweetshere wrote, “Kirk Cousins benched for Michael Penix. Both a completely insane move and yet the only one left for head coach Raheem Morris to play. Instant reaction here.”
Kirk Cousins benched for Michael Penix. Both a completely insane move and yet the only one left for head coach Raheem Morris to play. Instant reaction here pic.twitter.com/AYeJjJb4E3
— Kyle Dvorchak (@kyletweetshere) December 18, 2024
