Kirk Cousins didn’t view it as a short-term transfer. The quarterback stated he signed with the Atlanta Falcons on March 11 not solely due to the $100 million in ensures over 4 years, however as a result of it was a spot the place he wished to retire.
His spouse, Julie, is from Georgia, and her household, who lives within the space, are diehard Falcons followers.
However when Atlanta surprisingly drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 total draft choose on April 25, it raised questions on Cousins’ future.
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After Tuesday, that future has arrived prior to anticipated.
The Falcons named Penix the starter someday after Cousins added to his league-leading interception complete of 16. The Falcons beat the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Sunday to finish a four-game skid, nevertheless it was hardly the kind of efficiency that silenced the rising hypothesis a quarterback change was imminent. Cousins was 11 of 17 for 112 yards with a TD and the choose. His 9.0 QBR was the second lowest within the league in Week 15, higher than the three.6 by Cleveland Browns QB Jameis Winston (additionally benched Tuesday).
In comes Penix, the previous Washington star who has an distinctive arm and had a 91.3 QBR final 12 months on deep routes on the school stage.
Listed here are 5 key questions dealing with Cousins, Penix and the Falcons, who’ve a 29% likelihood to make the playoffs, based on FPI.
Why make the transfer now?
Marc Raimondi: Falcons coach Raheem Morris stated within the preseason that the time to bench a quarterback is when he can now not win video games. Throughout Atlanta’s 6-3 begin, Cousins ranked fourth in passing yards (2,328) and was tied for fourth in passing touchdowns with 17. He was one among eight gamers with a number of video games of 4 passing touchdowns this season.
Then the wheels got here off.
From Weeks 10-14, Cousins turned the primary participant since Brett Favre in 2005 to throw not less than eight interceptions and not using a passing landing in a four-game span.
On Sunday, it was clear the teaching employees did not belief him. For the primary time in his profession, Cousins did not throw a go on first down within the first half and had solely 17 go makes an attempt complete.
What does the Falcons’ remaining schedule seem like and what are their playoff possibilities?
Raimondi: Penix will get his first regular-season begin in opposition to the 2-12 New York Giants on Sunday at residence (1 p.m., ET, Fox). The Falcons are 8-point favorites.
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After that, the Falcons go to the Washington Commanders for a sport flexed to “Sunday Evening Soccer.”
Atlanta finally ends up at residence in opposition to the Carolina Panthers. These are three winnable video games and two the Falcons ought to win. So, perhaps Penix saves the season. If not, he nonetheless will get much-needed reps going into 2025.
What’s going to the response be within the locker room?
Raimondi: Even-keeled. If Cousins remained the starter, his teammates would have fought for him. Now they’re going to experience with Penix, who has been supportive and a category act since his arrival.
Penix was given the locker subsequent to that of security Jessie Bates III, which was no accident. Bates is among the staff leaders and among the many most revered gamers within the NFL. He has helped take Penix below his wing and saved him motivated for when the staff would want him.
How did Penix look in preseason and the way can he spark the offense?
Raimondi: Penix performed one sport, going 9-of-16 for 104 yards and not using a landing or interception in opposition to the Miami Dolphins. The Falcons did not play him of their different two preseason video games with Morris saying that they had seen sufficient of him.
Throughout coaching camp, Penix was inconsistent at occasions, which is not stunning for a rookie. However he additionally made some throws that made one perceive why the Falcons had been excessive sufficient on him to take him at No. 8. The arm expertise is plain.
Cousins has not been capable of throw the deep ball and appears to have misplaced velocity.
What does this imply for Cousins’ future in Atlanta?
Jeremy Fowler: It is successfully over. Arduous to see a state of affairs during which the staff turns to Cousins in 2025. The Falcons made clear of their assertion that Penix is the quarterback “transferring ahead.” Translation: We aren’t trying again.
That leaves the participant and staff weighing their choices. Cousins’ contract is tradeable. Paying him $62.5 million in ensures for 14 begins is painful, however his solely assure on the books for subsequent 12 months is his $27.5 million base wage. Succesful veteran quarterbacks may have suitors.
At the very least 5 groups presently scheduled to draft within the prime 10 in April want quarterback assist, solely the provision will not meet the demand in a category thought of weaker on the place. Atlanta, low on leverage due to the benching, may supply to cowl among the wage to facilitate a deal. Although Cousins’ market wouldn’t be as sturdy as youthful, extra productive choices corresponding to Sam Darnold, maybe Cousins can promote improved mobility to potential touchdown spots in his second season after his Achilles tear. And it takes just one staff to consider in his remaining ability set. Cousins has been chosen for the Professional Bowl 4 occasions, as just lately as 2022.
