The Atlanta Falcons have acquired some flack for giving quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. little taking part in time in preseason, however head coach Raheem Morris feels it isn’t well worth the threat.
“[It’s not about] me defending myself for a choice we made collectively,” Morris mentioned Monday throughout an interview with FanDuel’s “Up & Adams.” “It is about defending our belongings.”
Cousins is not anticipated to play in preseason. Penix, in the meantime, performed within the preseason opener in opposition to the Dolphins however sat out of their second sport vs. the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. He is not scheduled to play within the preseason finale vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
Not letting the QBs go well with up makes some sense, contemplating every has sturdiness considerations. Throughout Cousins’ final season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in Week 8 vs. the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Earlier than transferring to Washington, Penix — the eighth total decide of the 2024 NFL Draft — had 4 season-ending accidents in 4 seasons at Indiana, together with three proper ACL tears.
If Cousins and Penix suffered accidents, the Falcons must flip to backup Taylor Heinicke, who’s been an inconsistent starter all through his profession. In six seasons with the Panthers, Falcons, Commanders and Texans, the previous undrafted free agent has a 13-15-1 beginning file within the common season.
Nevertheless, not taking part in Cousins or Penix might create issues. Resting in preseason could forestall Cousins from growing chemistry along with his new weapons.
Penix is not anticipated to begin this season however wants reps to realize extra expertise. Towards the Dolphins, he accomplished 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards and posted a below-average 76 passer ranking, signaling he nonetheless has room for enchancment.
The Falcons’ technique is comprehensible. Nonetheless, if Atlanta’s offense falters as a consequence of poor QB play this season, sitting them within the preseason could seem like a mistake.