Ex-Falcons QB Matt Ryan makes feelings clear on Atlanta potentially benching Kirk Cousins for Michael Penix Jr
The Atlanta Falcons are at a crossroads regarding their starting quarterback dilemma after Kirk Cousins’ recent series of subpar performances, which include six interceptions and four fumbles over the last three games. As a result, Falcons fans are calling for rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. to take the reins. However, former Falcons QB Matt Ryan has a different perspective.
Appearing on CBS Sports HQ alongside Brandon Baylor and Zach Aldridge, Ryan said:
“I got asked this question before their bye week … I thought it was going to take a couple more weeks of poor performances. But, I look at what they’re going against this week in Minnesota … I think you’ve gotta stick with Kirk.”
While the Falcons coach Raheem Morris has maintained his faith in Kirk Cousins, Matt Ryan feels that patience might run out if the team's offense continues to struggle.
"If it goes bad and it's not the kind of first half that you want — I know Raheem has said that he's not going to make a change at this point. I think they'd be apt to make an in-game change," Ryan said.
He added:
"It's unfortunate because I think Kirk has been a really good player for a long time, but he's just really struggled the last couple of weeks."
Looking ahead after the team's last loss to the Chargers (13-17), the Atlanta Falcons are preparing to face the Minnesota Vikings defense, led by Brian Flores, in Week 14.
Michael Penix Jr. trusts Kirk Cousins amid calls for QB change
Amid the calls for a quarterback change, rookie Michael Penix Jr. expressed confidence in veteran QB Kirk Cousins’ leadership.
"He takes accountability for everything in meetings," Penix said (per ESPN's Marc Raimondi). "He'll always take accountability. He never points a finger. He's just a first-class guy in everything that he does, and that's what I appreciate a lot about him. You don't see him act out of character over something."
Michael Penix Jr. said he believes Kirk Cousins, as a veteran, will overcome this rough patch and bounce back stronger.