Amidst the struggles quarterback Kirk Cousins has had this season, the Atlanta Falcons decided to bench him in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins has made the Pro Bowl four times in 12 previous seasons, but this season, he’s leading the NFL in interceptions, and perhaps all those years of wear and tear, as well as the torn Achilles he suffered last year, have caught up to him.
He made it clear to the media that he’s disappointed in the decision, per D. Orlando Ledbetter.
“It’s disappointing… there’s no entitlement,” he said.
#Falcons QB Kirk Cousins on his demotion. “It’s disappointing… there’s no entitlement.” pic.twitter.com/nHp4mKOBSw
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) December 18, 2024
Cousins’ play this season has come in stark contrast to his production in past seasons.
Just last year, he threw for 2,331 yards and 18 touchdowns against just five interceptions, and he seemed well on his way to yet another Pro Bowl nod while putting the Minnesota Vikings in position for a playoff spot.
Now, it will be on Penix, the University of Washington product, to deliver a playoff appearance for Atlanta.
He led the NCAA in passing yards in 2023, yet many questioned Atlanta’s decision to take him with the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft after they had already signed Cousins to a big contract.
The Falcons, despite a recent four-game losing streak, are 7-7 and just one game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South.
They defeated the Buccaneers twice this season, which means they hold the tiebreaker, and with games against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers remaining, they should have a good chance of winning the division.
Of course, Penix will have to play well, which is far from a sure bet, considering he has attempted just five passes all season.
NEXT: Falcons Star Admits He's Surprised About QB Change
