Kirk Cousins breaks silence after Falcons bench $180,000,000 QB for inconsistencies
The Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency this offseason for him to be their next franchise qaurterback. With three games left remaining in the 2024 season, Cousins has been benched due to poor play.
In the last five games combined, Cousins has thrown one touchdown pass to nine interceptions. He's also thrown for just 1,180 yards, which is an average of 236 yards per game.
The Falcons announced Tuesday that they would be benching Cousins for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Speaking to the media today for the first time since being benched, Cousins addressed the situation with an understanding of why he was benched.
Cousins said:
"There’s a standard that I have for myself, that the team has for me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t playing up to that standard consistently enough and, so, it is what it is. You roll with it.
"It probably was ultimately the turnovers.... it's probably more decision-making than anything. That wouldn't have to do with any physical limitation so, I wouldn't say so."
Cousins and the Falcons most recently defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 15-9, on Monday night. In the win, Cousins played sloppily, completing 11-of-17 passes for a touchdown and an interception.
The Atlanta Falcons turn to rookie Michael Penix Jr. after benching Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons made sure to get some insurance this offseason after signing Kirk Cousins by using their 2024 first-round pick on Michael Penix Jr.
They signed Cousins, who was 35 years old, coming back from an Achilles tear. At the time, many questioned why the Falcons drafted Penix with their first-round pick after inking Cousins to a big deal in free agency. Now, the draft pick doesn't look as bad.
Penix played six seasons of college football for Indiana and Washington. He led Washington to the National Championship last season where they lost to the Michigan Wolverines. He had one of the best college quarterback seasons last year, throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns.
With Cousins benched, Penix will get a chance at taking over as Atlanta's franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.
If Penix shows out and if Atlanta decides to move with him going forward, it will make things difficult regarding their future plans with Cousins, as he's due a lot of money left on his $180 million contract.