The Michael Penix Jr. era begins in Atlanta; Falcons bench Kirk Cousins

Michael Penix Jr

The Falcons are making a change at quarterback, benching Kirk Cousins in favor of Michael Penix Jr., according to a statement from Raheem Morris.

“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” Morris said. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

Earlier today, Morris left the door open to a potential change when he was asked about the quarterback situation, and just a mere hours later, the Penix era in Atlanta begins.

“We didn’t play particularly well at the quarterback position,” Morris said Tuesday afternoon before making the official change. “We didn’t play well (Monday) at that spot. I like to be open and honest about those things. It’s always going to be those questions marks. It’s always going to be those question marks when it comes to head coach, when it comes to the quarterback. And you got to be really transparent about it. We got to play better. I think that’s the thing that’s got to be put out there, that we got to play better, and that’s the thing that’s got to be addressed. This thing’s got to happen in order for us to find ways to win versus our next opponent, which is the New York Giants.”

The Falcons gave Kirk Cousins $180 million in free agency earlier this year, a deal that would essentially guarantee his place as the starter in Atlanta for two seasons because of the $90 million guaranteed. They clearly didn’t anticipate the veteran being this ineffective when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. six weeks after signing Cousins.

This is nothing other than an unmitigated disaster from Atlanta, and heads should roll because of it. We know that won’t happen, though. The Falcons organization has never been a demanding one. When it’s time to pay the piper, blame is shifted around.

Anyways, this is a happy day. It’s Michael Penix’s time in Atlanta!

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