NFL
With The Falcons Struggling, Will Michael Penix Jr. Play?
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished12 Dec 2024
After a 6-3 start, the Atlanta Falcons have lost four consecutive games to put themselves outside of the playoff picture. With Kirk Cousins struggling, will head coach Raheem Morris make a change at quarterback and start Michael Penix Jr.?
Raheem Morris Sticking With Kirk Cousins
Raheem Morris: Michael Penix Jr. to play "when it's time," but not now #Falcons https://t.co/qRbRKrRV2M
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) December 12, 2024
During the four-game skid, Cousins looks lost at quarterback. The veteran has thrown eight interceptions and no touchdowns, leading to zero wins.
Many fans are calling for Morris to bench Cousins and start Penix, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Penix remains Atlanta’s future, Morris is sticking with Cousins for at least one more week.
“I told you right from the beginning, he’s our future,” Morris said of Penix via ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “And to be able to have the respect, to be able to have the confidence, to be able to have the wherewithal to Kirk and all this stuff, too, it’s a great learning lesson for him as well. So, when you go through all that process, you can look at different organizations [that have] pulled the trigger and put guys out there too early and it’s gone terrible, and I don’t want to be that guy.”
Morris later said that the organization will turn to Penix “when it’s time.” Apparently, that time is not right now.
Falcons Enter Pivotal Stretch Of Season
QB Kirk Cousins: "You certainly have a process that's worked & has enabled you to play well, so you trust it. I think it'd be foolish, though, to just blindly stick to something even when there's clearly a fundamental you need to improve on."
🔗 MORE: https://t.co/MK5VFx1omb
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) December 12, 2024
Heading into Week 15, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) hold a one-game lead in the NFC South over the Falcons (6-7).
If the Falcons are going to turn things around, it must come in the next two weeks. Atlanta faces the Raiders on Monday night and the Giants in Week 16. The Raiders and Giants have a combined record of 4-22.
After those two games, the Falcons end the season with the Commanders and Panthers.
