The Atlanta Falcons Make a Surprise Move, Replacing Kirk Cousins with Michael Penix Jr.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced the decision Tuesday night in a statement released by the team.
The Decision
“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” the statement read. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Reasoning Behind the Move
That statement came less than four hours after Morris had hinted at the move during a regularly scheduled news conference the day after the Falcons improved to 7-7 by beating the Raiders 15-9 in Las Vegas.
“We didn’t play particularly well at the quarterback position,” Morris said. “That’s the thing that’s got to be addressed.”
Cousins’ Performance
Cousins’ last five games convinced the Falcons they could no longer stick to the plan. He threw nine interceptions and one touchdown in that span and ranked 33rd in the league in expected points added per dropback (minus-.14). When the quarterback was told Monday night that Morris said he needed to play better, Cousins replied, “It’s stating the obvious.”
Penix’s Promotion
Penix was drafted eighth by the Falcons in April. It was a surprise move at the time considering the organization had signed Cousins to a four-year free-agency deal the previous month that guaranteed the 13-year veteran $90 million in salary the first two seasons and had a total potential worth of $180 million.
Cousins’ Future with the Falcons
The start to Cousins’ season made it look like Atlanta’s long-term plan was going to work. He was fourth in the league in passing yards (2,328) and touchdowns (17) and seventh in EPA per dropback (.15) through Week 9, and the Falcons raced to a two-game lead in the NFC South.
However, Cousins’ performance in the last five games convinced the Falcons to make the switch. According to The Athletic’s projections, the Falcons now have a 23 percent chance to win the division and a 31 percent chance to make the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Atlanta Falcons have made the surprising decision to replace veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins with rookie Michael Penix Jr. starting immediately. The move comes after Cousins’ performance in the last five games, which has convinced the Falcons that they need to make a change at the quarterback position. The Falcons will now turn to Penix, who was drafted eighth by the team in April, to lead the offense.
FAQs
Q: Why did the Falcons make the decision to replace Kirk Cousins?
A: The Falcons made the decision because of Cousins’ performance in the last five games, which has convinced them that they need to make a change at the quarterback position.
Q: Who will be the starting quarterback for the Falcons?
A: Michael Penix Jr. will be the starting quarterback for the Falcons.
Q: What is the Falcons’ plan for Kirk Cousins?
A: The Falcons have not announced their plan for Cousins, but it is likely that they will try to trade him or release him after the season.
Q: How will the Falcons handle Cousins’ contract?
A: The Falcons will have to decide what to do with Cousins’ contract, which has a total potential worth of $180 million. They could try to trade him, release him, or restructure his contract.