The Atlanta Falcons briefly inserted rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during garbage time in their blowout loss to the Denver Broncos. Despite showing flashes of sharpness, Penix was given limited opportunities, primarily tasked with handing the ball off as the team ran out the clock. This lackluster performance heading into the bye week has sparked inevitable questions about whether Penix could find his way into the starting lineup.
However, the Falcons appear set on sticking with Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback—not due to performance but because of the structure of the team. Cousins’ experience and his substantial contract have solidified his role, leaving no realistic path for Penix to take over this season.
The frustration surrounding Atlanta’s quarterback situation stems from their own offseason decisions. Despite limited glimpses of Penix, what has been seen suggests he may be closer to starting readiness than expected. Comparisons to other rookie quarterbacks like Drake Maye, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels add to the curiosity about Penix’s potential. Still, the Falcons’ choice to draft a rookie quarterback while committing to Cousins has created an untenable dynamic.
By signing Cousins and drafting Penix, Atlanta has backed itself into a corner. They’ve placed unnecessary pressure on Cousins while simultaneously providing Penix no clear path to earn playing time. The team has neither fully supported Cousins with an ideal win-now roster nor laid a foundation for Penix’s development as a starter.
As the Falcons head into their bye week, the prospect of a quarterback change remains unlikely. With Cousins’ early-season heroics, his experience, and his hefty contract binding the team until 2026, Atlanta remains committed to the veteran. The fate of their season rests firmly in Cousins’ hands, for better or worse.
