In his second season, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. discovered a new part of his NFL journey, one that eventually happens to most quarterbacks: getting benched.
Now, the big question is: will Falcons head coach Raheem Morris put his faith in Penix next week? Or will Kirk Cousins get a chance to swoop in to take back the QB1 spot?
Will the Falcons Stick With Michael Penix Jr. in Week 4 After Benching?
Make no mistake, the Carolina Panthers routed the Falcons 30-0 in Week 3. While the loss drops Atlanta to 1-2, the biggest storyline is that Morris pulled Penix with more than 10 minutes remaining in the game and the Panthers up by 30. He inserted Cousins into the game in what appeared to be extended garbage time.
Benching Penix seemed like a head coach yanking a young player during a blowout with no chance to win. Facing a steep deficit, Penix did not look like he was about to engineer a comeback for the ages. In going to Cousins, Morris saved his rookie wear and tear in a game that appeared over. Penix finished the game with 172 passing yards and two interceptions with a 50% completion percentage.
During the postgame press conference, Morris seemed disappointed with Penix’s performance.
“I think he just missed his throws today. Won’t make excuses for him,” he said.
However, when asked if Cousins would now be competing for the QB1 spot after the 25-year-old quarterback’s abysmal performance against the Panthers, Morris shot that down with a blunt, “No.”
After being drafted by the Falcons with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix made his debut with Atlanta in late October after Cousins’ struggles last season. In five starts as a rookie, he threw for 775 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. For his career, Penix has thrown for 1,380 yards, four touchdowns, and five picks.
Penix did himself no favors with errant throws that sailed and by trying to shake invisible pressure against the Panthers on Sunday. But it seems he will still be Morris’ main guy for now.
However, a similar performance in the near future could change Penix’s situation and allow Cousins to get back the starter role. Fans are already starting to get frustrated with Penix and wonder if the the offense would look better under Cousins, who signed a four year, $180 million contract with Atlanta last offseason.
All eyes will be on Penix’s performance vs. the Washington Commanders in Week 4 on Sunday, September 28.
