For the first time in what feels like a lifetime, the Falcons have a surplus of quality quarterbacks with Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. headling the group, which may leave Taylor Heinicke on the outside looking inward.
With Cousins starting and Penix as the backup and successor, Heinicke is expendable. However, Raheem Morris began Falcons training camp by declaring both backups will split second-team snaps.
It was a ridiculous statement. In no universe should Heinicke, a career backup with no future in Atlanta, be taking reps away from Penix, the 8th overall pick and future of this franchise. I don’t care how meaningless training camp snaps with the second-team offense may seem; details matter, and that’s an egregious misallocation of resources.
Thankfully, Taylor Heinicke recognizes the Falcons’ quarterback situation for what is, seeing the writing on the wall.
VIDEO: Taylor Heinicke has had one request for rookie QB Michael Penix Jr: Zyns
The #Falcons 1st round pick is paying his dues. Some good transparency as well from Heinicke who says he sees the writing on the wall in Atlanta's QB room. pic.twitter.com/OwOrbmB4LD
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) July 28, 2024
What should happen is the Falcons wait for a team that desperately needs a QB2 and will make a trade that sends Heinicke out of Atlanta. If the Falcons go into the season with Cousins, Penix, and Heinicke, there should be criticism for Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris.
Heinicke is a competent backup quarterback, but there would be no justification worthy of him being the first one off the bench if Cousins misses any time at all. There would be hell to pay for the Falcons, regardless of Penix’s readiness.
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Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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