NFL
Kirk Cousins Benched: Michael Penix Jr. To Make First Career Start In Week 16
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The Atlanta Falcons have a major decision to make. Will the team stick with Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback?
Raheem Morris Did Not Commit To Kirk Cousins As Starting QB
But he’s not saying Cousins is definitely keeping the job this week. Morris conceded Cousins has lost some of his confidence. “There are ways to get it back. That’s our job. That’s everybody’s job. We all need at some point. We have to play better at that position.”
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) December 17, 2024
Since the Falcons defeated the Cowboys on Nov. 3 to move to 6-3, Cousins has been in a tailspin.
Cousins has thrown for 1 touchdown and nine interceptions in the last five games. The Falcons went 1-4 during that span. More importantly, they no longer control their own destiny in the NFC South, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) are now in first place.
Cousins struggled in the Falcons 15-9 win over the Raiders on Monday night, completing 11-of-17 for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
With his veteran quarterback struggling, will head coach Raheem Morris bench Cousins?
“We just got back [to Georgia], man,” Morris said in Tuesday’s press conference when asked if Cousins will start in Week 16 via ESPN. “We’ve still got to go through all that process like we always do. Obviously getting back [early Tuesday morning], getting a big-time win. … There’s no secret. We didn’t play well enough [at] the quarterback position, and we got to find ways to play better.”
Will Michael Penix Jr. Play In Week 16?
Kirk Cousins says he knows he has to play better, when asked if he’s feeling the pressure, especially after Raheem Morris said tonight, “we have to play better at the quarterback position.” pic.twitter.com/CxhCX66sFw
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) December 17, 2024
If Cousins is benched, the Falcons would likely turn to Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback.
Penix was taken with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Morris has previously acknowledged that Penix is the franchise’s quarterback of the future.
The original plan was to bring Penix along slowly. However, that plan could be expedited if Cousins continues to struggle. Cousins is in the first year of a four-year, $180 million contract, with $100 million guaranteed.
However, the Falcons could come off the contract after two years with little penalty.
The Falcons host the New York Giants (2-11) on Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. ET.
Update: Kirk Cousins Benched
Statement from Falcons HC Raheem Morris: pic.twitter.com/qlcF0zIhZd
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2024
8:40 p.m. ET update: Cousins has been benched.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Morris said, “After review, we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward. This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
