By newsfirstusa 
The Atlanta Falcons have taken over first park in an NFC South race this is going to return right down to the twine within the ultimate two weeks of the ordinary season.
Then again, the quarterback who helped beat the Untouched York Giants on Sunday wasn’t Kirk Cousins – the $180 million guy they signed to a four-year offer this offseason.
It used to be Michael Penix Jr., the rookie first-round select. Many have been stunned when the Falcons known as his title as a result of that they had simply signed the veteran Cousins a generation in the past.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks right through a information convention next the 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Picture/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Cousins’ play games, regardless that, have been faltering of overdue, and one NFL Corridor of Famer used to be blunt together with his evaluate of him this yr next Penix appeared excellent in his first NFL get started.
“Consistently mediocre. That’s what Kirk has been this year,” Giants stunning Michael Strahan mentioned, by way of the Daily Mail. “Whenever you’re a great player in your mind, you’re still that. But sometimes, your skill level diminishes, and it drops.
“You don’t know when it’s getting to occur, it might occur at any level within the season. I believe for Kirk Cousins, it took place now.”
FALCONS EXPECTED TO RELEASE KIRK COUSINS AFTER JUST ONE SEASON FOLLOWING LACKLUSTER PLAY: REPORT
The Falcons were 7-7 under Cousins, but head coach Raheem Morris made a change after Atlanta’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders saw more maligned offensive drives just like the ones in recent weeks with Cousins under center.
But the 36-year-old, who is coming off a torn Achilles from the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, was a part of four straight losses before that 15-9 win over the Raiders. In that span, Cousins didn’t throw a single touchdown and had eight interceptions.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs the ball against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
So, after throwing just one touchdown and yet another interception, Morris made the switch despite the Falcons being in such a tight playoff race.
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 through the air. He also had an interception on his stat sheet, though tight end Kyle Pitts juggled a pass near the goal line that was ultimately picked off.
With Penix taking the reins moving forward, Strahan believes that Cousins must play the mentor role.
“Accumulation him round, let him educate Michael Penix the intricacies of the sport,” Strahan said. “It’s excellent to have that veteran affect, however I believe Kirk can have to only humble himself to remember that’s his function presently.”
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins walks off the field after throwing an interception against the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
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There have been reports the Falcons could cut Cousins before March to avoid the remaining years on his contract, though $100 million was guaranteed at signing earlier this year.
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