The Atlanta Falcons will have a new starting quarterback by the end of the 2024 NFL season. Head coach Raheem Morris relieved Kirk Cousins of his duties and gave the reins of the offense to rookie Michael Penix Jr, chosen with the eighth overall pick in the last Draft.
“After evaluating the situation We have made the decision that Michael Penix will be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons moving forward.”Morris said via a press release. “It has been a sporting decision and we are totally focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Cousins’ level has not been up to the contract he signed in March 2024: 180 million dollars for four seasons. The quarterback leads the NFL in interceptions with 16, and nine of them came in the last five games. During that span, the former Washington and Minnesota native only threw one touchdown pass.
Now, the responsibility of improving Atlanta’s offense will fall on the shoulders of the rookie from the University of Washington. In his last year of college, Penix Jr. had the most yards among Pac-12 QBs with 4,218which he seasoned with 33 touchdowns through the air. Now, he will try to replicate the success as a professional.
It is It will not be Penix Jr.’s debut as a professional because he already saw activity in the garbage minutes of two games during the campaign. Against the Seattle Seahawks in the Week and against the Denver Broncos. Therefore, he is three of five completions for 38 yards with one sack against.
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The Falcons dream of the playoffs
Atlanta still has a chance to advance to the NFC playoffsbut the calendar is not as simple as it seems. The Falcons will close the season with a visit to the Giants in Week 16 and will host the Washington Commanders in Week 17. The last game of the regular season will be against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
The last time the Falcons advanced to the Playoffs was in the 2017 season.the team’s last campaign with a winning record. Atlanta finished with 10 wins against six losses and beat the Los Angeles Rams 26-13 in the wild card round. However, the Philadelphia Eagles, eventual Super Bowl champions, beat them in the Divisional round by a score of 15-10.
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