Kirk Cousins Replaces Michael Penix Jr. in Game Against Division Rivals
In just three weeks, Atlanta Falcons fans once again saw Kirk Cousins in action during the regular season.
The experienced quarterback replaced Michael Penix Jr., who was struggling, with 10:44 remaining in a game where the Falcons were losing 27-0 against their NFC South rivals.
In their first series, Cousins failed to move the ball significantly, and Atlanta lost possession on downs.
Penix completed 18 of 36 passes for 172 yards and suffered two interceptions, including the first pick-six of his career.
Cousins was the Falcons’ starting quarterback last season, after signing a contract with $100 million guaranteed in the 2024 offseason. Subsequently, the Falcons selected Penix with the eighth overall pick in the draft.
Last season, Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 start before a losing streak that began mid-season. Cousins was benched in Week 16, after a stretch of five games with nine interceptions and only one touchdown pass. Penix was named the starter from that point on and performed well in the team’s final three games, although the Falcons had a 1-2 record and failed to make the playoffs.
Many expected Cousins to be released or traded in the offseason, but the Falcons made it clear that they were comfortable keeping him as a backup. A very expensive backup, by the way. Cousins will earn $27.5 million guaranteed this season.
