Typically, a quarterback with three games of experience as a starter in the NFL seems like a surefire bet to suit up in the preseason. However, in Week 1 of the preseason, the Atlanta Falcons took an unorthodox approach with their QB1, Michael Penix Jr. Rather than giving him or veteran backup Kirk Cousins some reps, the team opted to go beyond that.
In Week 2, they are facing off against the Tennessee Titans, and the same questions about an extremely young quarterback getting playing time prevail for Atlanta. Thanks to widespread criticism for his decision last week, will this week bring an alteration in head coach Raheem Morris’ approach? Or does the Falcons fan base get used to the new normal for their franchise?
Will Michael Penix Jr. and Key Falcons Starters Play Against the Titans?
The Falcons dished out a massive four-year deal worth $180 million to Cousins while he was recovering from an Achilles tear. However, inconsistent play marred his entire 2024 campaign, leading to Penix’s elevation.
Through three games, the rookie showed enough to the coaching staff and management to elevate him as the permanent QB1 heading into 2025. Now, as Year two gets underway, Morris has a ton of faith in his quarterback, using joint practices as a better measure than the preseason.
That decision caused a ton of speculation and criticism, particularly as established superstars like Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes took the field. But even with the scrutiny, Morris remains unmoved heading into Week 2.
Against Tennessee, he plans to sit Penix once again for the entire game, AOL confirmed. However, the decision for Cousins is still up in the air, as the Falcons haven’t given a confirmation about his status against Atlanta.
However, as a 36-year-old quarterback just one year removed from a brutal Achilles injury, it is unlikely that he gets a lot, if any, playing time against the Titans. Instead, it’s once again going to be a combination of Easton Stick and Emory Jones who handle a majority of the snaps for the Falcons.
Last time out, Stick got a majority of the playing time, completing 15 of 18 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. Jones had a much quieter night, going four of five in his pass attempts while rushing for nine additional yards.
That game, against the Detroit Lions, came to a heartstopping end, as safety Morice Norris suffered a brutal hit to the head that caused him to lie motionless on the field for an extended period of time.
Eventually, the game was called off, and play was suspended immediately. Coming off that harrowing moment, Atlanta might need some time to regroup. In that scenario, a date with the Titans is exactly what the doctor ordered.
