The Falcons are coming off their worst loss of the season, a 38-6 defeat on the road to the Denver Broncos, one that saw absolutely nothing go right. This is a team that’s limping into their bye week, both physically and mentally, which, of course, has led to many fans calling for Michael Penix Jr.
The rookie 8th overall pick saw his first substantial piece of action in Sunday’s blowout loss. He entered the game with around nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, and immediately started turning heads with his arm strength and accuracy. In fact, Penix actually graded out as the Falcons highest graded player, according to PFF, adding even more fuel to the conversation about potentially benching Kirk Cousins. However, Falcons legend and current CBS Sports analyst, Matt Ryan, doesn’t see that coming anytime soon.
“I mean, it’s two bad weeks, two disappointing losses,” Ryan said. “They’re still in first place in the division. To me I don’t see them making a decision like that unless it goes in free fall. It would have to be, in my opinion, a couple more weeks.”
I’ll be the first to admit that Michael Penix Jr. looked damn impressive in the few opportunities he was allowed to sling the rock. There’s a lot to like about the rookie, and the performance from the Falcons over the last two weeks has been unacceptable.
With that being said, let’s pump the breaks a little. The Falcons are still firmly in first place and control their own destiny. Kirk Cousins has looked like a top 10 quarterback more often than not this season, and Michael Penix Jr. threw four passes against backups. There’s absolutely no QB controversy in Atlanta, even if the media would love to portray one. Kirk Cousins is the guy, and he will be the guy for the rest of the season. That’s not even a topic of discussion for the Falcons as they enter their bye week.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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