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The Atlanta Falcons have made changes at quarterback.
Due to Kirk Cousins’ recent issues, the team will select rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Not long ago the writing was on the wall.
In his last five games, Cousins, in the first year of a four-year, $180 million deal, has just one touchdown and nine interceptions.
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Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before their preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, Aug. 9, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rich Story/Getty Images)
When the Falcons selected Penix with the eighth pick, It sent shockwaves throughout the league. Considering it was just a few weeks after they signed Cousins to his deal, however, the Falcons needed reinforcements. And apparently they think so.
“After inspection We have made the decision that Michael Penix will be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons moving forward,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. “This is a football decision. And we are fully focused on preparing our team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Penix threw for 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his final season with Washington. Their only loss that season was to the national championship at Michigan.
Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins (18) and Michael Penix Jr. (9) of the Atlanta Falcons during off-season workouts at the Atlanta Falcons’ training facility on May 14. 2024 at Flowery Branch, Ga. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Cousins, who turned 36 during training camp Broke his Achilles last year. It was his final season in Minnesota.
In his 13th NFL season, Cousins started slowly, throwing for 864 yards, four touchdowns and four scores in his first four games. Over the next five, he had 13 touchdowns and three picks while averaging 292.8 yards per contest. But his last five were forgotten.
During that span, he completed 62.7% of his passes, and his lone touchdown came on Monday in a 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, December 8, 2024. (Photo Jeffrey Becker/Imagn)
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Atlanta had lost the previous four events to lose the division lead.
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