In the face of mounting speculation and growing calls for a quarterback change, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has clarified why he is not yet ready to hand the starting job to rookie Michael Penix Jr., despite the struggles of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With the Falcons sitting at a 6-6 record and on a three-game losing streak, including a tough performance from Cousins in a 28-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, many have questioned whether it’s time to turn the reins over to the highly touted rookie. However, Morris is standing firm in his decision to allow Cousins to work through his struggles.
Cousins, who has been the Falcons’ starting quarterback for the past few seasons, has been under scrutiny after a series of disappointing games, including a four-interception performance against the Chargers that left fans and analysts wondering if the team might be better off starting the 23-year-old Penix Jr. Penix, drafted eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, has demonstrated impressive potential in practice, with teammates noting his ability to challenge the starting defense and his maturity for a rookie. Safety Justin Simmons, who has faced Penix in practice, praised the rookie’s poise, saying, “Doesn’t feel like you’re going up against a rookie,” indicating that Penix has quickly adjusted to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
Despite the growing confidence in Penix’s abilities, Coach Morris explained that he is not ready to rush the rookie into a starting role. “I won’t be that guy that ruins a rookie’s confidence by throwing him out there too early,” Morris said in a press conference. “We have a plan for Michael, and we want to make sure that when the time is right, he’s fully prepared and confident.”
Morris emphasized the importance of nurturing Penix’s development without exposing him to the pressures of starting before he’s ready. He explained that while Penix shows flashes of brilliance, he still needs more time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses on a regular basis. “Rookies need time. It’s not just about talent; it’s about maturity, decision-making, and handling adversity. We don’t want to throw him into a situation tha
The Falcons are facing a critical stretch of games, with upcoming matchups against teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Washington Commanders, and Carolina Panthers. The team remains focused on improving its performance and securing a playoff berth, and Morris has expressed confidence in Cousins’ ability to bounce back. While Cousins’ recent performances have been inconsistent, Morris believes that with the right adjustments, Cousins can still lead the team effectively. “I trust Kirk. He’s been in these situations before and knows what it takes to turn things around,” Morris said.
For now, the Falcons will continue to evaluate their quarterback situation week by week. Morris confirmed that while Penix may see some playing time in certain game situations, the team’s priority remains on giving Cousins the opportunity to regain his form as the starter.
As for Penix, his development will remain a focal point for the team. The rookie has impressed in limited action and has shown promise, but the Falcons coaching staff is committed to making sure he’s fully prepared before handing him the starting role. His performance in practice will continue to be closely monitored, and the Falcons will look to put him in a position where he can succeed without risking his confidence or long-term development.
The coming weeks will be crucial for the Falcons, as they attempt to regain their footing in a competitive NFC. While Cousins remains the starter for now, the pressure on Morris to make a decision on Penix will only increase if the team’s struggles continue. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Morris’s confidence in his veteran quarterback holds steady or if Penix’s time to shine will come sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, the Falcons’ coaching staff remains committed to their strategy of not rushing the rookie, focusing instead on fostering Penix’s growth and ensuring that when the time does come for him to start, he is fully ready to take on the challenge.
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