ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 18, 2024 — In a shocking twist, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has raised the possibility of Michael Penix Jr. replacing Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback, following a series of subpar performances from the veteran QB. Cousins, who has struggled with consistency this season, has made a public statement requesting to be released if the team’s plans fail, further fueling speculation about his future with the Falcons.
Following a sluggish win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, where the Falcons narrowly escaped with a victory, Morris addressed concerns about Cousins’ performance. His comments strongly hinted that a quarterback change could be imminent.
Morris’ Comments Spark Bench Talk
When asked about Cousins’ play and the quarterback position moving forward, Morris didn’t mince words:
“He’s got to play better,” Morris said bluntly. “We need to find a way to get him to play better. And, obviously, we’ll get to work tomorrow, and that’s part of our process — reviewing everything with the people it needs to be reviewed with. We need better play at the quarterback position, and we’ll see where we go from here.”
But it was Morris’ follow-up response that caught the attention of many. When pressed about the possibility of replacing Cousins with Michael Penix Jr., the coach did not rule it out.
“We’ve got everybody on our roster for a reason,” Morris said. “We’ve got so much to get better at. Like I said, we’ll always discuss everything. It’s just the nature of the game — you’re going to hear a lot about quarterback decisions because there’s only one guy out there. Our goal is to find a way to win the next game, and we’ll have those discussions in our meetings.”
Morris stopped short of outright confirming that Penix could take over, but his choice of words left the door wide open for a change. “Everything is always on the table,” he added, implying that the coaching staff is evaluating all options.
Cousins’ Struggles & Penix’s Opportunity
Kirk Cousins has had a turbulent season in Atlanta, with multiple games where his passer rating has dipped below 80. Over the last 14 starts, Cousins has failed to deliver the consistent play expected of a veteran QB, and with the Falcons teetering on the edge of playoff contention, Morris and the Falcons front office may feel the need for a spark at the position.
Meanwhile, Michael Penix Jr., who has been the backup for much of the season, has impressed in practice and is ready for the opportunity. Penix, known for his strong arm and mobility, had an outstanding college career at Washington, and his potential has the Falcons’ coaching staff intrigued.
What’s Next for the Falcons?
With a short week ahead, the Falcons will likely review tape and continue their evaluation of both Cousins and Penix. If the coaching staff decides to make a change, it could come as soon as this week’s upcoming game, potentially marking the start of Penix’s tenure as the Falcons’ starting quarterback.
As the pressure mounts on Kirk Cousins and the Falcons’ offense, all eyes will be on Atlanta’s quarterback situation in the coming days. Will Penix Jr. get his shot? Or will Cousins work his way out of his slump?
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
