Falcons fans threw a fit last year when Arthur Smith decided against playing Desmond Ridder, Atlanta’s presumed starting quarterback, in the preseason.
After all, the third-round pick only had four career starts under his belt and was effectively handed the job without the smallest inkling of a competition. At the very least, Ridder should’ve taken reps in the preseason to get more experience.
In the end, it didn’t matter if he played every snap or none in the preseason. Ridder was never going to get the Falcons where they needed to go. However, maybe Arthur Smith would’ve realized that had he played him.
Those same feelings were resurrected when Raheem Morris announced that not only Kirk Cousins wouldn’t be playing in the preseason, but Michael Penix Jr. as well after he played a few drives in Atlanta’s first exhibition contest.
Falcons fans better get used to it, though. Raheem Morris reiterated over the weekend that no starters will ever play in Atlanta while he is the head coach.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the decision to not play any starters in preseason games: "We'll continue that philosophy as long as I'm the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons."
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) August 24, 2024
To a certain extent, it doesn’t really matter at all. However, Penix isn’t expected to start any games this season, unless Kirk Cousins goes down with an injury. The preseason very well could be the only opportunity Michael Penix Jr. gets to see any live action over the next couple of years, and a young quarterback gaining any amount of experience is important.
The only logic is that Morris doesn’t value that experience in the preseason like some other coaches around the league. That is something I can understand, but still don’t agree with. The Falcons shouldn’t be wrapping a guy in bubble wrap who isn’t expected to play at all this year. It’s extremely cautious, but it’s his prerogative. If the Falcons look rusty and slow to begin the season, or Michael Penix is forced into action unexpectedly and struggles, perhaps Morris’ philosophy will change moving forward.
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Photographer: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire
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