Kirk Cousins has continued to support Michael Penix Jr. despite being benched by the Atlanta Falcons, giving the starting quarterback job to the ex-Washington star
19:00 ET, 19 Oct 2025
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons look on from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Kirk Cousins came to terms with his Atlanta Falcons demotion, continuing his support for Michael Penix Jr.(Image: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Kirk Cousins graciously declared he would continue backing Michael Penix Jr. after being stripped of his starting role with the Atlanta Falcons.
Back in March, the Falcons handed Cousins a massive four-year, $180 million deal featuring $100 million guaranteed. However, the seasoned quarterback couldn't justify the hefty contract, leading to his benching in favor of Penix just 15 weeks into the 2024 season.
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Following the Falcons' messy 15-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in December, head coach Raheem Morris announced Penix would take over as the starter for the upcoming clash with the New York Giants. While the demotion stung for Cousins, the 37-year-old veteran grasped the reasoning behind his replacement. After a promising opening to the 2024 campaign, where Atlanta captured six of their initial nine matchups, the team crashed dramatically with just one win in its next five outings.
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Throughout that stretch, Cousins managed only one touchdown pass while throwing nine interceptions, ultimately ending the season with the league's highest pick total at 16.
"It's pro football, and there's a standard that I have for myself, that the team has for me," he explained to media members at the time. "Unfortunately, I wasn't playing up to that standard consistently enough.
"And so, it is what it is, and you roll with it and now you still get ready — 'one play away' kind of a thing — and support Mike and just try to help our team be able to find a way to win these last three to get in the playoffs, and that's what it's all about."
Michal Penix Jr
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Penix has impressed since taking the Falcons starting QB role(Image: Getty)
After Morris informed Cousins about his demotion, one of the veteran's initial phone calls was to Penix. "Just let him know I'd be in his corner and supporting him and trying to help him any way I can," he explained regarding their discussion.
When asked why he felt compelled to contact the rookie, Cousins remarked: "I like to shoot elephants in the room, so I just wanted to shoot one."
Penix has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout his debut full campaign as an NFL starter, guiding the Falcons to a 3-2 record with victories against the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders, and Buffalo Bills - all teams that reached the postseason last year.
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During 'Monday Night Football,' the Washington alum went 20-of-32 for 250 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions in the Falcons' dominant 24-14 triumph over the Bills.
Addressing media members in a postgame news conference, Penix declared that the impressive victory demonstrated the Falcons are legitimate playoff contenders. "It showed that we're one of the ones," he stated.
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"This team is really good. This team is really legit."
Despite his confident stance, Penix admitted that the Falcons still have room for improvement. After leading 21-7 at halftime in Monday's game, Atlanta could only muster three points in the last two quarters.
"I feel like we have more in the tank and for us to go out there and win that football game with the second half like that, I feel like we had a big lull," Penix said. "I feel like it is going to be a scary sight whenever we figure it out and all play together and play a full game and not just one good half."