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Atlanta To Start Michael Penix Jr., Benching Kirk Cousins

Garrett Burroughs / NFL / December 17, 2024

Atlanta To Start Michael Penix Jr., Benching Kirk Cousins

Listen, the contract that the Atlanta Falcons gave to Kirk Cousins this off-season was always a mistake. We all can admit that. Cousins healthy I am not totally sure was worth $180 million, nonetheless coming off a torn Achilles. However, they went ahead and made that decision, but also took his insurance plan in the 2024 NFL Draft, by taking Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. Many believed that it was the wrong pick, fearing Atlanta was punting this pick years down the line to be Cousins’ successor.

However, news broke tonight via NFL Insider Ian Rapoport that Atlanta will be benching Kirk Cousins in favor of the rookie Michael Penix Jr.

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The #Falcons are making a major change, as Michael Penix Jr is expected to take over at QB, with Kirk Cousins going the bench.

Atlanta is still in the thick of the playoff hunt, and Cousins has struggled mightily. Now, Penix takes over. pic.twitter.com/xTPLBovmOd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2024

If you have been a follower of Vendetta for some time, you already know how the Michael Penix Jr. pick impacted Atlanta’s draft grade. Trey had Penix as his QB7, and to take him that high was egregious. However, he will be put to the test as he is being put into the starting lineup. This could very well make the seat very hot for Falcons GM Terry Fontenot if he does not play well. I mentioned back in April that his pick could have cost him his job, and if this doesn’t pan out best believe fans will be calling for his job. You can’t swing on both Cousins and Penix and miss on both and expect to keep your job.

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The time is now for Michael Penix Jr. Yes, he will get a longer leash as he was drafted to be the cornerstone of the franchise. But the Falcons remaining schedule is the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers. The Giants and Panthers have two of the worst defenses in the NFL, so if he goes out and stinks the place up it’s going to get very loud. I am always one to admit when I am wrong, and if Penix goes out there and looks like a real NFL quarterback, I will backtrack my statements and admit being wrong. But I fear this is going to end very poorly.

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