the Atlanta Falcons They secured first place in the NFC South race going into the final two weeks of the regular season.
However, the quarterback who helped beat the New York Giants on Sunday was not Kirk Cousins – The man, who is worth $180 million, signed a four-year deal this offseason.
It was Michael Penix Jr., a first-round rookie. Many were shocked when the Falcons released his name because they had just signed veteran Cousins a month ago.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a news conference after a 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Despite this, Cousins' play has been stuttering as of late, and the NFL Hall of Famer was candid in his evaluation of him this year after Penix looked good in his first NFL start.
“Consistently average. That's what Kirk has been this year,” Giants great Michael Strahan said on Twitter. Daily Mail. “When you're a great player in your mind, you stay that way. But sometimes your skill level dwindles, your skill level dips.
“You never know when it's going to happen, it can happen at any time in the season. I think for Kirk Cousins, it's happened now.”
Falcons expected to release Kirk Cousins after just one season after lackluster play: report
The Falcons were 7-7 under Cousins, but coach Raheem Morris made a change following Atlanta's win over the Las Vegas Raiders that featured more malignant offensive outbursts just like the ones that have occurred in recent weeks with Cousins under center.
But the 36-year-old, who will recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon starting the 2023 season, is with the team. Minnesota Vikingswas part of a four-game losing streak before the 15-9 win over the Raiders. In that span, Cousins did not throw a touchdown and had eight interceptions.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs the ball against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
So, after just one touchdown and another interception, Morris made the switch despite the Falcons being in such a tight run.
Penix's debut saw no touchdown passes, but he was quick with his decision-making and on time with the ball to his receivers as he threw for 202 yards on 18-of-27 shooting through the air. He also had an interception on his stat sheet, though tight end Kyle Pitts tampered with a pass near the goal line that was eventually picked off.
With Penix taking the reins moving forward, Strahan believes Cousins should play a mentor role.
“Keep him around and let him teach Michael Penix the intricacies of the game,” Strahan said. “It's good to have that veteran influence, but I think Kirk might have to humble himself to understand that that's his role now.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins runs off the field after throwing an interception for the Minnesota Vikings, on Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abby Barr)
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There have been reports that the Falcons may part ways with Cousins before March to avoid the remaining years on his contract, despite $100 million being guaranteed upon signing earlier this year.
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