Falcons Bench Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr.

    Written by: Nate Wyrsch •

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    Falcons helmet on turf next to a football

    The Atlanta Falcons have made the decision to bench starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in place for their rookie from Washington, Michael Penix Jr..

    Cousins just joined the Falcons over the offseason, and was given a large contract despite just coming off an achilles tendon tear. Cousins’ deal was a four-year, $180 million with a $50 million signing bonus. Cousins is also guaranteed $100 million across his contract.

    Cousins has struggled the last few weeks, which led to people calling for his benching. On the season, he has completed nearly 67% of his passes for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, but a league-leading 16 interceptions and 12 fumbles.

    In the month of December alone, he has only thrown one touchdown while throwing seven interceptions. That lone touchdown pass is his only in the last five games. It is safe to say that he has been struggling greatly, and change was the only option for a currently 7-7 Falcons side to have a chance at the playoffs.

    For Penix Jr., it is his time to shine. He was a heavily debated pick, especially at the No. 8 spot, but will now have the chance to prove his worth. He has only seen action two times this season, but never got the real opportunity to showcase what he has. Last season, as a Washington Husky, he threw for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns while completing 65.4% of his passes. He threw 11 interceptions in that time, but led his team to the 2024 National Championship Game against Michigan.

    The Falcons sit in second place in the NFC South, just a game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Knowing that they already completed the sweep and holds the tiebreaker on the Bucs, it was a very big move to bench Cousins in the middle of a playoff push. If they were going to do it however, the time was now as the Falcons take on a very underwhelming Giants side. For Penix Jr., he has the opportunity of a lifetime in a must win scenario, and the Falcons trust him to do what is needed of him. If all goes well, we could even see a rookie matchup in two weeks when Atlanta travels to Washington to take on the Commanders in what could be a playoff-deciding matchup.

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