The Atlanta Falcons have made the decision to bench their starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, with Michael Penix set to take over as the team prepares to play against the New York Giants in Week 16.
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Breaking: Kirk Cousins has been benched and the Falcons will start No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. pic.twitter.com/9fqc9pc8V6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 18, 2024
To note, Cousins signed a four-year/$180-million dollar contract this past offseason, right before the team drafted Penix with the No. 8 overall pick out of Washington.
And now with the 13-year quarterback struggling, it appears the team is ready to give their 2024 first round pick a chance.
Head coach Raheem Morris announced that it was a "football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday's game against the New York Giants."
To point out, this decision was presumably made as a result of Cousins' struggles, considering he has had problems with turning the ball over the last few games.
In particular, prior to Monday's 15-9 victory over the Raiders, Cousins had been 0-4 with 0 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the previous four weeks.
Kirk Cousins has one touchdown and NINE interceptions in his last five games.
Is it time for Michael Penix? pic.twitter.com/S1pXK8SDpj
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) December 17, 2024
With the Falcons at +190 odds to make the playoffs, and +300 odds to win the NFC South, the season is certainly not over yet.
Falcons fans everywhere right now pic.twitter.com/pVZqrsWCwL
— Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) December 18, 2024
It seems fans in Atlanta have been eager for a change, as they hope this decision will revitalize the 7-7 record team, who are still serious contenders in a tightly contested playoff hunt.
As a Falcons fan I couldn’t be happier. This draft pick makes so much sense now😂
If only they didn’t waste all that money on a washed QB😭 https://t.co/Cpl9PjSLAU
— Zach Roberts (@ZRob4444) December 18, 2024
Ultimately, it's hard to believe things have come to this, as just earlier in the season, Falcons fans were praising Cousins after his record-breaking 509-yard/4 TD Thursday Night Football performance (36-30 win vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
Yall remember when falcons fans were swag surfin with Kirk?
They absolutely hate that man now & are begging for him to be benched 😭😭
Life comes at ya FAST pic.twitter.com/x8WcV8wAqO
— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) December 17, 2024
Even with the news of Cousins getting benched, the 36-year-old veteran QB can't be too upset as he will now be getting $100 million guaranteed to not get hit.
Kirk cousins after he was told he’s being benched for Michael penix knowing he’s now getting paid 180 million to not get hit pic.twitter.com/6Q9xixHqXs
— John (@iam_johnw) December 18, 2024
In view of Penix and his potential, fans are excited to see the left-handed star showcase his talents.
During his collegiate career, he set records with 9,544 yards and 67 passing touchdowns during his last two seasons at Washington.
FINALLY.
Meet Michael Penix Jr: NFL starting quarterback and Washington alum ☔️ #ProDawgs https://t.co/rE7e10O0v2 pic.twitter.com/JkIoBMStDj— B1G Reign☔️ (@huskymuse) December 18, 2024
