The Atlanta Falcons stunned the NFL world in the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with their first-round pick, just weeks after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.
Now that we are into December, it is looking like the decision to select Penix Jr. might have been some good long-term planning, while the decision to sign Cousins was a short-term miss.
Cousins was miserable in Sunday’s game, completing 24-of-39 passes for 245 yards and throwing four interceptions.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris rejected the idea of benching Cousins for Penix Jr. after the game, saying he fully believes that Cousins will bounce back.
He might legitimately believe that. Cousins might also bounce back. But it should not be an idea that is completely dismissed that quickly. Going to Penix Jr. should not only be something that is looked at; it might be something that is in the best interest of the team right now.
It was not just the number of interceptions from Cousins on Sunday that were costly. It was the timing of them as well as the result.
He threw a brutal pick-six to Tarheeb Still in the third quarter that gave the Chargers a 17-10 lead.
