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The Atlanta Falcons clinch first place in the NFC South race, who will be eliminated in the final two weeks of the regular season.
However, the quarterback who helped beat New York The Giants on Sunday were without Kirk Cousins, the $180 million man they signed to a four-year deal this offseason.
Michael Penix Jr., rookie in the first round Many were shocked when the Falcons called his name because they only signed veteran Cousins last month.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a press conference after a 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last December, Oct. 8, 2024, in Min. Neapolis (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Cousins’ play has faltered of late, though, and one NFL Hall of Famer was blunt with his assessment of the year after Penix looked good in his first NFL start.
“Consistently moderate. That’s what Kirk was this year,” Giants great Michael Strahan said in a statement. Daily Mail– “Whenever you are a great player at heart. You are still like that But sometimes your skill level drops and it drops.
“You don’t know when it’s going to happen. It can happen at any point in the season. I think for Kirk Cousins it happened.”
FALCONS EXPECTED TO RELEASE KIRK COUSINS AFTER JUST ONE SEASON AFTER LEARNING PLAY: REPORT
The Falcons are 7-7 under Cousins, but head coach Raheem Morris made changes after Atlanta’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, finding more offensive drive as they have in recent weeks. with Cousins in the middle
But the 36-year-old, who is coming off an Achilles heel in the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, was part of a four-game losing streak before a 15-9 win over the Raiders, during which Cousins couldn’t. Not a single touchdown was scored and there were eight interceptions.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. kicks a football game against the New York Giants in Atlanta on Sunday, December 1, September 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
So, after throwing just one touchdown and another interception. So Morris made the switch, even though the Falcons were in such tight playoff contention.
Penix’s debut didn’t include a touchdown pass. But he was quick in decision-making and timely with his passes to receivers as he threw for 202 yards on 18-of-27 through the air. He also had an interception on his stat sheet, although tight end Kyle Pitts Passed a pass near the goal line that was ultimately picked off.
With Penix taking the reins moving forward, Strahan believes Cousins will need to play an advisory role.
“Keep him around, let him teach Michael Penix the intricacies of the game,” Strahan said. “It’s nice to be influenced by that kind of experience. But I think Kirk might need to humble himself to understand that that’s his role now.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins walks off the field after intercepting a pass against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 1, Oct. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. propolis (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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There have been reports that the Falcons could cut Cousins before March to avoid the remaining time on his contract. This was despite $100 million guaranteed when the contract was signed earlier this year.
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