The Atlanta Falcons signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract on the opening day of free agency to stabilize the quarterback position after failed experiments with Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder.
Once the team drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round, it was only a matter of time before a quarterback controversy broke out in Atlanta. Cousins played well for the first two months of the season but once “Kirk-tober” ended, the 36-year-old’s struggles began.
The Falcons have lost three straight games since their 6-3 start. Cousins is going through arguably the worst stretch of his career, passing for zero touchdowns and six interceptions over the last three games.
In the team’s 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, he threw four brutal interceptions, including a pick-six. This has prompted many around the NFL to call for a quarterback change. ESPN’s Mina Kimes is the latest to suggest the Falcons bench Cousins and start Penix.
“He’s just not right,” Kimes said about Cousins. “There’s something off with his footwork when he’s under center and he has to turn around and he’s aiming and it just doesn’t look right, frankly. It doesn’t look like Kirk Cousins and it makes me wonder — you drafted Michael Penix eighth overall. I criticized the decision. Dan, you defended it. I will criticize that decision infinitely more if they don’t give Penix a shot this season if this continues.”
“You’re throwing away a season where not only you have a chance to win the division, but you could potentially go farther if you see something with the young quarterback.”@minakimes thinks the Falcons should play Michael Penix Jr. this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/vcI5jmheVS
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 2, 2024
Kimes has a point, and it’s hard to argue against a quarterback change if Cousins continues to play poorly. The Falcons have a shot to win the division for the first time since 2016 and they can’t prioritize loyalty over the other 52 players on the roster.
“You’re throwing away a season where not only you have a chance to win the division, but you could potentially go farther if you see something with the young quarterback,” concluded Kimes.
Cousins has passed for 3,052 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this season. There have been moments when the quarterback has played as well as anyone in the NFL. Then, there are other times when Cousins makes decisions that are beyond head-scratching.
Meanwhile, Penix is staying ready for his moment. We spoke to the rookie during the bye week and he continues to prepare like a starter.
“You know, starter or not, just making sure I’m always ready for the moment so whenever that moment does come, I can shine,” said Penix.
It sounds like that moment may come sooner than we all anticipated.
