The Atlanta Falcons made a significant move amidst a difficult season, one that many saw coming, but with substantial risk involved. The team’s decision to bench Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. has sparked debate, and it comes at a time when the Falcons’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Following a narrow win against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Raheem Morris made the announcement that Penix would be taking over as starting quarterback. This decision, while seemingly inevitable, is fraught with consequences, particularly regarding Cousins’ hefty contract.
In his statement, Morris emphasized that the decision was purely based on football performance, with the team’s focus now set on preparing for their next game against the New York Giants. However, the financial aspect of Cousins’ contract cannot be ignored. As Adam Schefter noted, if the Falcons were to cut Cousins before the start of the 2025 league year, they would face a massive $65 million in dead money. Should they trade him, they would still be responsible for $37.5 million, as $27.5 million of his base salary would transfer to the new team. This financial situation makes the decision even more complex for Atlanta, which could either cut ties with Cousins or continue to navigate his contract while looking for a way to salvage their season.
Cousins’ struggles this season, marked by a lack of mobility and costly turnovers, have been a significant factor in this shift. In the past five games, he threw nine interceptions and only one touchdown, making his interception-to-touchdown ratio an alarming 9:1. His overall season statistics, including 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, reveal a quarterback who has failed to protect the ball, which has ultimately led to his benching. Monday night’s disappointing performance, where he threw for only 112 yards and threw an interception against the Raiders, seemed to be the tipping point for Morris. In his remarks, Morris acknowledged the increasing pressure on both the head coach and the quarterback and stated, “We got to play better,” signaling dissatisfaction with Cousins’ recent performances.
This bold move places Michael Penix Jr. in a high-pressure situation, with the Falcons currently sitting at a 7-7 record and just one game behind the NFC South division leaders. With the playoffs still within reach, Penix now inherits a team with an uncertain future, where his performance could make or break Atlanta’s chances of securing a postseason spot. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially with the looming $65 million cap hit if the Falcons choose to cut Cousins in 2025. Penix, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is now expected to rise to the occasion.
While Penix has long awaited this opportunity, he remains confident in his abilities. Speaking to Falcons Wire in November, he said, “I make sure I stay ready each and every day and I have all the confidence in the world.” With the Falcons in a must-win scenario for their remaining three games, Penix will need to quickly adjust to the NFL’s level of play, with his first challenge being a matchup against the New York Giants, a team that has been struggling this season. A strong performance could go a long way in proving that the Falcons made the right decision in turning to the rookie quarterback. Penix brings a dynamic element to the team that Cousins, with his more traditional style, lacked. The question remains, though, whether Penix can deliver under the intense pressure of a playoff race.
Atlanta’s remaining schedule offers some hope. The Falcons will face two teams with a combined total of just five wins, which means they have favorable opportunities to secure victories. However, the Buccaneers, currently leading the NFC South, are only one game ahead of the Falcons, leaving little room for error. Morris’ decision to go with Penix signals a shift in focus toward the future, as the Falcons seem to be banking on the young quarterback’s untapped potential rather than sticking with Cousins’ more experienced but inconsistent performance.
If Penix thrives in these crucial games, it could be a turning point in the Falcons’ season and potentially reshape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. However, there’s also the risk that the rookie might not be ready for the high stakes of NFL football, especially with the team’s playoff hopes on the line. By moving on from Cousins, the Falcons are taking a calculated risk in the hope that the future will offer more promise than the present.
Sticking with Cousins, on the other hand, could have provided a sense of stability, but at the cost of progress. His struggles have been well-documented, and continuing to rely on him may have led to mediocrity at best. With Penix, the Falcons are betting on potential, even though the risks are substantial. The coming weeks will be pivotal for the team, and this bold quarterback change could define the Falcons’ season and future. Whether this decision will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, Atlanta is clearly committed to taking the gamble on Penix in the hopes that he can lead them back to relevance in the NFC South. Time will tell whether this move was a stroke of genius or a desperate attempt to salvage a season that seemed to be slipping away.
