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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris wasn’t ready to commit to a starting quarterback at his Tuesday afternoon news conference.
It didn’t take him long after to make a decision. Just hours later, the Falcons announced that rookie Michael Penix Jr. will take over at starting quarterback for Kirk Cousins. The No. 8 pick in April’s NFL draft, Penix will make his debut as an NFL starter on Sunday against the Giants.
“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” Morris said, via a statement released by the Falcons. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Earlier Tuesday, Morris said this when asked if Cousins would start at quarterback on Sunday against the Giants:
“We just got back, man,” Morris said via ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “We’ve still got to go through all that process like we always do. Obviously getting back late last night, getting a big-time win.”
That was less than 24 hours after a tepid offensive performance in a close victory over a two-win Raiders team. But Morris alluded to his impending decision.
“It’s always going to be those question marks when it comes to head coach, when it comes to the quarterback,” Morris continued, per the Falcons’ team website. “And you got to be really transparent about it. We got to play better.”
The Falcons have decided to bench Kirk Cousins with three games left in the regular season. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Penix takes over with the Falcons fighting to make the playoffs at 7-7. They’re on the outside of the playoff picture looking in but have a shot to rally for a postseason berth with remaining games against the Giants, Commanders and Panthers.
Until Tuesday, Morris remained steadfast in his support for Cousins.
“Kirk’s our quarterback,” Morris said on Dec. 9 after a Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. “Kirk is the guy that’s going to lead us.”
Cousins threw two…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-name-rookie-michael-penix-jr-starting-qb-over-kirk-cousins-010620852.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-12-18 01:06:00
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