When the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. a little over a month after giving Kirk Cousins a $180 million deal in free agency, it immediately brought quarterback controversy to Atlanta.
There was never a moment during training camp where Falcons players, coaches, or fans called for Penix to be the starter. It was always Cousins’ team. Even if there was no question who was the guy in Flowery Branch, the rest of the world was free to their own opinion.
One game of Kirk Cousins and some fans have already seen enough, calling for Michael Penix Jr. following an awful performance by Cousins. The veteran went 16-of-26 for 155 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and probably should’ve had another.
Even worse, the Falcons offense only got three first downs and 51 net yards in the second half. Cousins went 3-of-8 for 19 yards and an interception while taking two sacks for a loss of 18 yards. It was a discouraging start to the Kirk Cousins era. It’s prompted Falcons fans to start calling for the rookie gunslinger.
Now, let’s discuss reality. Fans can chirp all they want. The Falcons are not going to make a change at quarterback. This is still Cousins’ football team, and one bad performance isn’t going to force Raheem Morris into anything.
That won’t stop the calls from the fan base. That’s the entire point. The Falcons brought this upon themselves when they gave Cousins $100 million in guarantees before drafting his successor in the same offseason.
It’s not a conversation worth having unless Cousins is actually still hampered by the Achilles injury, which be may the case, but I’m pointing out the fact that a facet of the fan base is going to be calling for Penix so long Cousins falls short.
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Photographer: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire
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