The Michael Penix Jr. era began in Atlanta when the Falcons officially benched Kirk Cousins, but there are a lot of bad takes going on out there, and you’re here for the correct one. The entire situation cannot be spun in any way other than an unmitigated disaster.
Do not listen to the people telling you things like this:
Call me crazy, but the way the QB situation has unfolded in Atlanta actually *supports* what the Falcons did in the draft by selecting Penix. The obvious error in judgement was related to Kirk Cousins’ contract and his ability post-Achilles.
— Joe Patrick (@japatrick200) December 18, 2024
Joe, a friend of SportsTalkATL, I am sorry I had to do this to you, but this is all the wrong line of thinking.
Signing Kirk Cousins wasn’t a bad decision. Drafting Michael Penix Jr. wasn’t a bad one either. Doing them in the span of six weeks is a decision that should be ridiculed.
Even if Penix works out and becomes the next franchise quarterback, that doesn’t mean the Falcons did the right thing. Good results don’t warrant a bad process, and that’s exactly what the Falcons did when they drafted a quarterback with a top 10 pick six weeks after they signed a $180 million signal caller.
It’s pretty simple. The Falcons aren’t able to ultimately maximize Penix’s rookie contract now. With Cousins’ contract likely coming with significant dead cap, the Falcons won’t be working as efficiently as possible. Instead of signing Cousins, the Falcons could’ve used those funds to improve the defense.
Now, at this point, you’re probably saying, “Alex, hindsight is always 20/20!” Of course, you’d be correct, except for the fact that a large portion of the fan base has been screaming this since April’s draft.
What it comes down to is Arthur Blank’s desire to be relevant with a one-and-done postseason exit more than he wants to be great. The Falcons effectively guaranteed they’d remain within contention and relevance by signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix, but Atlanta’s owner sacrificed the potential for greatness.
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Photographer: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
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