Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris benched quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in favor of Kirk Cousins in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers, but Morris has no plans of taking Penix’s starting role.
After the game, Morris told reporters “no” when asked if Cousins would compete for the starting job this week. He added that “the game was out of hand” and wanted to keep his starters “out of harm’s way,” which is why he pulled Penix.
Penix struggled in the 30-0 loss, completing 18 of his 36 passes for 172 yards with two interceptions. That performance came a week after he had just 135 passing yards against the Minnesota Vikings. The former No. 8 overall pick started off the year strong with 298 passing yards and a touchdown in Week 1, but he’s left much to be desired ever since.
“I’m never OK with not playing,” Penix told reporters. “At the end of the day, I listened to my head coach, and he did what he felt was best for the team and the decision that was made by him. So, I’ve got to respect it, and I’ve got to be there to support Kirk whenever he is out there. He does that for me.”
Cousins, who made his first appearance of the season, completed 5-of-7 passes for 29 yards.
Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million fully guaranteed ahead of the 2024 season, before the Falcons selected Penix. The veteran quarterback started last season but struggled tremendously, throwing for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He was benched for Penix in December.
Now Cousins serves as Penix’s backup after Atlanta kept him around this offseason, and Morris made it clear that Cousins will remain the backup quarterback moving forward.
As for Penix, the second-year quarterback will look to shake off a few bad games and prove he’s deserving of the starting gig.
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