Michael Strahan provides arduous fact to Kirk Cousins after rookie Michael Penix shines in first Falcons begin

The Atlanta Falcons have taken over first place in an NFC South race that’s going to come back all the way down to the wire within the last two weeks of the common season. 

Nevertheless, the quarterback who helped beat the New York Giants on Sunday wasn’t Kirk Cousins – the $180 million man they signed to a four-year deal this offseason. 

It was Michael Penix Jr., the rookie first-round choose. Many have been shocked when the Falcons known as his identify as a result of that they had simply signed the veteran Cousins a month in the past. 

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks throughout a information convention after the 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photograph/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Cousins’ play, although, had been faltering of late, and one NFL Corridor of Famer was blunt together with his evaluation of him this yr after Penix appeared good in his first NFL begin. 

“Constantly mediocre. That’s what Kirk has been this yr,” Giants nice Michael Strahan stated, through the Day by day Mail. “Everytime you’re an excellent participant in your thoughts, you’re nonetheless that. However generally, your ability stage diminishes, and it drops. 

“You don’t know when it’s going to occur, it could occur at any level within the season. I feel for Kirk Cousins, it occurred now.” 

FALCONS EXPECTED TO RELEASE KIRK COUSINS AFTER JUST ONE SEASON FOLLOWING LACKLUSTER PLAY: REPORT

The Falcons have been 7-7 beneath Cousins, however head coach Raheem Morris made a change after Atlanta’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders noticed extra maligned offensive drives similar to those in current weeks with Cousins beneath middle. 

However the 36-year-old, who’s coming off a torn Achilles from the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, was part of 4 straight losses earlier than that 15-9 win over the Raiders. In that span, Cousins didn’t throw a single landing and had eight interceptions. 

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs the ball in opposition to the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photograph/Mike Stewart)

So, after throwing only one landing and yet one more interception, Morris made the swap regardless of the Falcons being in such a good playoff race. 

Penix’s debut noticed no landing passes, however he was fast together with his decision-making and on time with the ball to his receivers as he threw for 202 yards on 18-of-27 via the air. He additionally had an interception on his stat sheet, although tight finish Kyle Pitts juggled a go close to the aim line that was finally picked off. 

With Penix taking the reins shifting ahead, Strahan believes that Cousins should play the mentor function. 

“Maintain him round, let him educate Michael Penix the intricacies of the sport,” Strahan stated. “It’s good to have that veteran affect, however I feel Kirk could have to only humble himself to grasp that’s his function proper now.”

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins walks off the sphere after throwing an interception in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photograph/Abbie Parr)

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There have been stories the Falcons may lower Cousins earlier than March to keep away from the remaining years on his contract, although $100 million was assured at signing earlier this yr. 

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