The Atlanta Falcons they have taken first place in the NFC South race going into the final two weeks of the regular season.
However, the quarterback who helped beat the New York Giants on Sunday was not Kirk Cousins – the 180 billion man they signed a four-year deal this year.
It was Michael Penix Jr., a first-round draft pick. Many were surprised when the Falcons called his name because they had just signed the old Cousins a month ago.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a news conference after a 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
However, Cousins' game has been lacking, and the NFL Hall of Famer was not forthcoming in his evaluation of him this season after Penix looked good in his NFL debut.
That's what Kirk has been this year,” Giants great Michael Strahan said, Daily Mail. “Whenever you're a great player in your mind, you're still that. But sometimes, your skill level goes down, and it goes down.
“You never know when it's going to happen, it could happen anytime in the season. I think for Kirk Cousins, it happened now.”
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The Falcons were 7-7 under Cousins, but head coach Raheem Morris made the change after Atlanta's win over the Raiders in Las Vegas has seen as many offensive drives as in recent weeks and Cousins under center.
But the 36-year-old, coming off a torn Achilles from the year 2023 and Minnesota Vikingsit was part of four straight losses before that 15-9 victory over the Raiders. During that time, Cousin didn't throw a single and had eight walks.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs the ball against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
So, after throwing just one pass, Morris made the change even though the Falcons were in such a tight playoff race.
In Penix's debut, he didn't see any touchdown passes, but he was quick in his decision-making and timely with the ball to receivers while throwing for 202 yards on 18-of-27 through the air. He also had a blip on his stat sheet, though Kyle Pitts hit a goal line pass that ended up being ruled out.
With Penix taking the reins further, Strahan believes Cousins must play a mentor role.
“Keep him, let him teach Michael Penix the intricacies of the game,” Strahan said. “It's good to have that old influence, but I think Kirk might have to humble himself to understand that it's a part of him now.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins leaves the field after throwing a knife against the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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There have been reports that the Falcons could cut Cousins before March to avoid the remaining years on his contract, despite a guaranteed $100 million signing earlier this year.
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