With the 7-7 Atlanta Falcons making an attempt to maintain their playoff hopes alive, head coach Raheem Morris benched struggling quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. for Sunday’s house recreation towards the 2-12 New York Giants.
Penix spoke with reporters on Wednesday for the primary time as Atlanta’s QB1 and did not conceal the truth that he’ll most likely have some butterflies in his abdomen at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“I ain’t going to lie, I will be nervous operating out of that tunnel,” Penix admitted, as shared by Terrin Waack of the Falcons’ web site. “However at any time when I get on the sector, it is a complete totally different mentality, a flipped swap. I am able to go.”
Penix presumably may see the writing on the wall, as hypothesis concerning Morris making the transfer had hovered over the Falcons for weeks. Cousins was responsible for eight interceptions and nil landing passes over 4 consecutive losses earlier than he accomplished simply 11-of-17 move makes an attempt for 112 yards with a rating and a decide in an unimpressive 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders this previous Monday night time. It is since been said that the 36-year-old, who suffered a torn Achilles in October 2023, has a “lifeless” arm due to “his incapacity to make use of his decrease physique to muster full energy on his throws.”
To his credit score, Cousins said on Wednesday he would “help Mike and simply attempt to assist our group be capable of discover a option to win these final three [games] to get within the playoffs.” Later within the day, Penix famous he has studied Cousins all through the marketing campaign.
“Simply the best way he processed, the best way he speaks to the group in conferences on the sector, simply the command he has to the offense, getting issues the best way that he wished in order that he may play quick,” Penix mentioned about what he is discovered from Cousins, per Marc Raimondi of ESPN. “I look as much as Kirk and, to be sincere, Kirk could not do no flawed in my eyes, so it was like, dang, after I noticed him in camp main all the best way up via the season, he is particular.”
Whereas Atlanta trails the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) by one recreation within the race for the NFC South division title, the Falcons beat the Buccaneers twice earlier within the marketing campaign. Thus, Penix has a practical likelihood to be a season-savior for Atlanta starting with the Giants recreation.
As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons as 8.5-point favorites over Massive Blue.
“I simply bought to be myself,” Penix added. “I do not really feel like I bought to be anyone else. I haven’t got to attempt too onerous to be the large chief, the vocal chief. Simply be myself. Belief in my preparation and produce everyone together with me.”