Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris Says Atlanta Will Not Start Michael Penix Jr. Under These Conditions
The Atlanta Falcons are heading into a crucial Monday night matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins set to lead the team. However, with the Falcons on a four-game losing streak and desperately clinging to playoff hopes in the NFC South, questions about the future of the quarterback position are beginning to surface.
If the Falcons fall to the struggling Raiders and continue their losing ways, some have suggested that rookie Michael Penix Jr. should be given a shot to start. Former Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph, who has played with Cousins, believes it might be time for the Falcons to get a look at their first-round pick, even if they miss the playoffs. He argued that giving Penix valuable in-game experience could help the team assess their future at the quarterback position.
“It’s about giving him a chance to get that game experience,” Rudolph said, via SportsTalkPhilly. “If you’re Atlanta and you’re out of the playoff race, why not put him in and see what he can do?”
Despite Cousins’ struggles—having thrown zero touchdowns and eight interceptions in the last four games—Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has made it clear that Cousins is still the team’s starting quarterback for now.
“We have no hesitations on what our young man [Penix] has been doing, but Kirk is our quarterback,” Morris said in a press conference Monday. “Kirk is the guy who’s going to lead us, and we’re still in the hunt. We’ve got a big opportunity coming up Monday night.”
Morris’ vote of confidence for Cousins is firm, indicating that Penix will remain on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, barring an unexpected shift in circumstances. Penix has only seen limited action this season, completing 3-of-5 passes for 38 yards, with the coaching staff opting to keep him out of meaningful playtime.
The Falcons (6-7) are currently one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South and desperately need a win against the Raiders (2-11) to stay in playoff contention. The game will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday night.
For now, the fate of the Falcons’ season, and possibly their quarterback situation, hinges on Cousins’ performance in the coming weeks. Should the team continue to struggle, the calls for Penix to step in may grow louder.
