Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins Under Fire, Calls for Rookie Michael Penix Jr. to Take Over
The Atlanta Falcons fell out of first place in the NFC South division after a loss to the Minnesota Vikings and a win by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the Las Vegas Raiders. The team has now lost four games in a row, with quarterback Kirk Cousins coming under intense pressure for his recent performance.
Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass since Week 9 and has eight interceptions in his last four games. This slump has led to increased calls for the team to start rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. instead. Even Super Bowl champion Bryant McFadden has called for a change, stating, “You have to find a way to shake things up… His four-game losing streak, zero touchdowns, eight interceptions. That’s not winning football… I think now is the time to roll the dice and bring the young kid out into the lineup.”
The Falcons have been riding high on Cousins’ play early in the season, with a 6-3 record and impressive victories. However, Cousins’ recent struggles have taken a toll on the team, and many are wondering if it’s time for a change. The team will face the Las Vegas Raiders next, and McFadden believes that if Atlanta wants to “shake things up,” now would be the perfect time.
The Falcons have a significant advantage over the Buccaneers, having beaten them twice this year. Cousins has still been productive this season, throwing for 3,396 yards and 17 touchdown passes, but also leads the NFL with 15 interceptions. As the Falcons look to turn things around, the question on everyone’s mind is: should they stick with the experienced but struggling Cousins or turn to the promising rookie in Michael Penix Jr.?