The move fans have been waiting for finally happened as the Atlanta Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins on Tuesday evening. Despite winning Monday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Cousins did not play well and head coach Raheem Morris has opted to make a change.
Morris released a statement on the team’s official website:
Cousins has thrown nine interceptions to just one touchdown over the last five games. The Falcons ended their four-game losing streak but it appeared they were attempting to hide Cousins at times.
Rookie Michael Penix Jr. is set to take over in Week 16. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, will make his first NFL start against the New York Giants this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For the season, Cousins has passed for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. The team got off to a 6-3 start with the veteran quarterback under center but hit a rough patch starting in Week 10.
Cousins, who had never gone back-to-back games without a touchdown in his 12-year career, went four games without a touchdown pass (Weeks 10-14). The Falcons lost all four games and nearly blew Monday night’s game against the Raiders.
Penix has waited patiently and deserves a chance to see if he can get the passing game back to where it needs to be. Atlanta is still alive in the playoff hunt at 7-7. With the 2-12 Giants coming up, it was the perfect time to make the switch.
“I’m ready for my moment,” Penix said during a Week 12 interview with Falcons Wire. “I make sure I stay ready each and every day and I have all the confidence in the world.”