The Atlanta Falcons are now in the future, as they're turning to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr as the starter for Week 16, according to Ian Rapoport. Kirk Cousins is headed to the bench, 14 games into his massive four year, $180 million contract with Atlanta.
#Falcons coach Raheem Morris via the team website: “After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward. This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday's game against the New…
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 18, 2024
Many questioned the Falcons' decision to draft Penix Jr in the first round after inking Cousins to a monster deal the month prior. Penix Jr was one of the top quarterbacks coming out in 2024, as he threw for a whopping 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during his last season at Washington.
Taken with the eighth-overall pick in April's draft, Penix Jr will now have the chance to prove the Falcons right in their decision to select him. This comes after Cousins' lackluster stretch of throwing one touchdown to nine interceptions over his last five games, including a four interception game against the Chargers.
Penix Jr's first start will come against the New York Giants in front of the Falcons faithful.
