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 dwelling sport towards the 2-12 New York Giants.
Penix spoke with reporters on Wednesday for the primary time as Atlanta’s QB1 and did not cover the truth that he’ll in all probability have some butterflies in his abdomen at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“I ain’t going to lie, I’ll be nervous operating out of that tunnel,” Penix admitted, as shared by Terrin Waack of the Falcons’ web site. “However every time I get on the sphere, it is a complete completely different mentality, a flipped swap. I am able to go.”
Penix presumably might see the writing on the wall, as hypothesis relating to Morris making the transfer had hovered over the Falcons for weeks. Cousins was accountable for eight interceptions and 0 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 choose in an unimpressive 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders this previous Monday night time. It is since been stated that the 36-year-old, who suffered a torn Achilles in October 2023, has a “useless” arm due to “his incapacity to make use of his decrease physique to muster full energy on his throws.”
To his credit score, Cousins stated on Wednesday he would “assist Mike and simply attempt to assist our crew 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 crew in conferences on the sphere, simply the command he has to the offense, getting issues the best way that he wished in order that he might play quick,” Penix stated about what he is realized from Cousins, per Marc Raimondi of ESPN. “I look as much as Kirk and, to be sincere, Kirk could not do no unsuitable in my eyes, so it was like, dang, after I noticed him in camp main all the best way up by the season, he is particular.”
Whereas Atlanta trails the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6) by one sport within the race for the NFC South division title, the Falcons beat the Buccaneers twice earlier within the marketing campaign. Thus, Penix has a sensible probability to be a season-savior for Atlanta starting with the Giants sport.
As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Falcons as 8.5-point favorites over Huge 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 strive too exhausting to be the large chief, the vocal chief. Simply be myself. Belief in my preparation and produce everyone together with me.”
