From the Falcons perspective, they are potentially staring at the answers at the quarterback position for the next 15-20 years. Kirk Cousins being the present, and Michael Penix Jr. being the future. That’s a helluva lot better than what they’ve had over the last couple of seasons with Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke.
If this works out, the Falcons will be competing in the NFC for the next two decades. It’s an exciting proposition for the fan base, who hasn’t seen its team in the postseason since 2017. However, for the actual two quarterbacks, it’s an understandably difficult position to be dropped into.
Kirk Cousins wasn’t expecting the Falcons to take a quarterback with their first draft pick just weeks after handing him a four-year contract. It was an unprecedented move that caught him off guard and understandably frustrated the veteran QB.
From Penix’s perspective, he probably would have rather stepped into a situation where there was a path to start immediately, like the rest of the quarterbacks in this draft class. As things stand now, it might be a couple of years before he even takes a snap, and what happens if Kirk Cousins balls out and the Falcons make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons? Would Atlanta really consider moving on from him in favor of Penix, who has yet to take a meaningful snap?
That’s a genuine possibility, one that may result in Penix not starting for 3+ years. It’s not an ideal scenario for either quarterback, but both of them appear to be ready for the challenges ahead, not worried about what they can’t control.
On the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast with former NFL players Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, Kirk Cousins talked about some of those factors that aren’t in his control, and how he’s focused solely on the things he can.
Kirk Cousins spoke on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast about the #Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins said he has to be a "steward and not an owner," meaning he can't worry about things he can't control.
Cousins: "I’ve just got to steward this and do kind of what I’ve…
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) May 14, 2024
Cousins also addressed any potential beef he might have with the Falcons. Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris didn’t let him know they were drafting his successor until right before they put in the pick. It caught him off guard, and his initial reaction was a lot like Falcons fans, confusion.
However, now that the dust has settled, Kirk Cousins is reacting how everyone should have expected given his track record. He’s a consummate professional and assures there is no beef between he and the Falcons. He’s well aware of the situation and how teams are always looking to stabilize the quarterback position. His sole focus is on winning a Super Bowl, and to do that, everyone has to be pulling on the same rope.
Cousins on if there is beef with the #Falcons: "I don’t think there can be. I don’t think it’s helpful. We’re trying to win a Super Bowl and it’s hard enough. It’s hard enough. Let’s all be on the same page and let's try and win a Super Bowl."
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) May 14, 2024
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Photographer: Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire
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