The Atlanta Falcons cruised through the first nine weeks of the season before a loss to the New Orleans Saints sent them spiraling. There’s plenty of blame to go around for the team’s four-game losing streak, but quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ poor play is the most glaring issue.
Cousins has been held without a touchdown pass since Week 9 while throwing eight interceptions in that same span. With the Falcons on the verge of blowing their 6-3 start, many are calling for the team to bench Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.
According to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz, certain players in the Falcons’ locker room believe Penix is the best quarterback on the roster.
“I truly believe the only reason the Falcons haven’t gone to Michael Penix Jr. yet is because of optics,” Schultz said during an appearance on FS1. “I’ve had players inside that locker room tell me point blank, Michael Penix Jr. is the best quarterback in this building.”
“I truly believe the only reason the Falcons haven’t gone to Michael Penix Jr. yet is because of optics… I’ve had players inside that locker room tell me point black, Michael Penix Jr. is the best quarterback in this building.” — @Schultz_Report pic.twitter.com/Tku5Xrhnxx
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) December 14, 2024
While Penix has only appeared in two games this season, he was considered one of the most pro-ready quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft class. This is why so many around the NFL were shocked to see Atlanta select Penix after signing Cousins to a four-year deal.
The Falcons planned to keep the rookie on the bench for the entire season, but you have to wonder how far head coach Raheem Morris will let the team sink before making a change.
If Cousins fails to lead Atlanta to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, who will likely be starting Desmond Ridder at quarterback, it will be hard to justify keeping Penix on the bench any longer.