The Atlanta Falcons have taken over first place in an NFC South race that will come down to the final two weeks of the regular season.
However, the quarterback who helped beat the New York Giants on Sunday wasn’t Kirk Cousins — the $180 million man they signed to a four-year deal this offseason.
It was Michael Penix Jr., the rookie first-round pick. Many were shocked when the Falcons called his name because they had signed the veteran Cousins just a month ago.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a press conference following the 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on December 8, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
However, Cousins’ play has been stalling of late, and an NFL Hall of Famer was vocal about his assessment this year after Penix looked good in his first NFL start.
“Consistently mediocre. That was Kirk this year,” Giants star Michael Strahan said of that Daily Mail. “Anytime you’re a great player in your mind, you still are. But sometimes your skills falter and it sinks.”
“You don’t know when it’s going to happen, it could happen at any point of the season. I think it’s happened now for Kirk Cousins.”
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The Falcons were 7-7 under Cousins, but head coach Raheem Morris made a change after Atlanta’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders saw more vicious offensive action, just like in recent weeks with Cousins under center.
But the 36-year-old, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the 2023 season, with the Minnesota Vikingswas part of four straight losses before the 15-9 win over the Raiders. During that time, Cousins didn’t throw a single touchdown and had eight interceptions.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. passes the ball against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
So after throwing just one touchdown and one more interception, Morris made the move even though the Falcons were in such a tight playoff race.
There were no touchdown passes in Penix’s debut, but he was quick in his decision-making and got the ball to his receivers on time as he went 18 of 27 for 202 yards through the air. He also had an interception on his stat sheet, although tight end Kyle Pitts juggled a pass near the goal line that was ultimately intercepted.
With Penix taking the reins going forward, Strahan believes Cousins needs to take on the mentorship role.
“Keep him around, let him teach Michael Penix the finer points of the game,” Strahan said. “It’s good to have that experienced influence, but I think Kirk may just have to humble himself to understand that this is his role now.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins leaves the field after throwing an interception against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 8, 2024, in 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 of his contract, even though he had $100 million guaranteed when he signed the deal earlier this year.
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