Kirk Cousins set for Falcons axe with Michael Penix Jr in line to replace $180m recruit as starting QB
The Atlanta Falcons have made a major roster change – deciding to bench starting quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
With Atlanta in the midst of a playoff hunt – currently one game out of the lead for the NFC South – first-year head coach Raheem Morris has decided to hand the reigns over to the rookie out of the University of Washington.
Cousins has been struggling in recent weeks as his transition from Minnesota to Atlanta has not gone smoothly.
With cries from the fanbase to make a change, Morris pulled the trigger and will now start Penix when the Falcons host the New York Giants this week.
Cousins currently ranks seventh in the NFL in passing yards (3,508) and 13th in completion percentage.
But his touchdown-to-interception ratio of 18-16 ranks horribly compared to other NFL starters, especially when it comes to teams in playoff contention.
The decision comes after Cousins’ thoroughly unimpressive performance against one of the league’s worst teams: the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Monday Night Football, Cousins only completed 11-of-17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
With Cousins struggling to improve, Penix has been inserted into the starting role at a time where the Falcons need to win out in order to reach the playoffs.
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