NFL analyst reveals Falcons' stance on possibly benching Kirk Cousins after 3-game losing streak
When Kirk Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons during the 2024 offseason, he was expected to lead them to dominate the NFC South. After all, he was easily the most accomplished quarterback in a weak division and had a monstrously talented cast to work with: Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts.
Instead, they have found themselves in a tight battle with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the division (despite sweeping the series between them). Their quarterback has also been intercepted 13 times - a career-high, marring a performance that has seen him throw for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns and set the franchise single-game passing yardage record.
Amidst a three-game losing streak, there have been rumors that Cousins may be benched for rookie Michael Penix Jr. with five games left in the season. At least one person sees it as a possibility: Fox Sports' Carmen Vitali. Speaking to Kay Adams on Up & Adams on Monday, she said:
"I do if they drop the next couple... They've won both games against the Bucs this season, but if the Bucs continue this surge, which I fully expect them to do... And the Falcons, I just don't trust that defense at all. I think it's more to do with that, than it does with Kirk, honestly. And I really think that if you do, if you're kind of out of it, why not get Michael Penix?"
Kirk Cousins will bounce back, reassures Michael Penix Jr.
Speaking of Michael Penix Jr., he thinks Kirk Cousins will regain his form. Speaking to Marc Raimondi, the Falcons' ESPN correspondent, he said:
"He's been in a lot of different situations, so I have no doubt that he's going to bounce back from this be great this weekend and the rest of the season."
Head coach Raheem Morris seconded him, dismissing any notions of a quarterback controversy despite the team's recent slide:
"That guy has gotten us to 6-6 and first place in the division... It's up to us to bounce back and win football games. There isn't a better man than him to do that."
The eighth overall pick of the 2024 Draft is prepared should the need arise:
"You never know when the opportunity [comes]. So, I always stay ready, but at the end of the day, like I said, it's not up to me."
The Falcons will visit the Minnesota Vikings on December 8. Kickoff is at 1 PM on Fox.