The Atlanta Falcons took heat for using a first-round draft pick on quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in April immediately after signing veteran free agent Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. Now, with Cousins on the verge of being benched in Atlanta, the draft pick is looking more prescient, while the signing could prove to be a massive financial blunder.
![[The Atlanta Falcons took heat for using a first-round draft pick on Michael Penix Jr. in April immediately after signing Kirk Cousins (pictured) to a four-year, $180 million deal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/15/93238043-0-image-a-22_1734449669265.jpg)
Asked about Cousins' performance in Monday's 15-9 win over the cratering Las Vegas Raiders, first-year Falcons coach Raheem Morris did not exactly offer a vote of confidence for his starter. 'He's got to play better and obviously, you got to go back, you got to get to look at everything,' Morris told reporters. 'But he wants to play better. He's got to play better. We've got to find a way to get him to play better.'.
![[A former Indiana quarterback who transferred to Washington and led the Huskies to last season’s national championship, Michael Penix Jr. is credited with great arm strength.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/15/93238045-0-image-a-23_1734449673761.jpg)
The 36-year-old former Pro Bowl selection was just 11-of-17 on Monday for 112 yards with one touchdown and one interception in what has devolved into arguably his worst season as a pro. And when asked if Cousins will remain the starter for the 7-7 Falcons heading into a crucial Week 16 matchup with the lowly New York Giants, Morris once again declined to support his starter.
Asked about Cousins' performance in Monday's 15-9 win over the cratering Las Vegas Raiders, first-year Falcons coach Raheem Morris did not exactly offer a vote of confidence. The Atlanta Falcons took heat for using a first-round draft pick on Michael Penix Jr. in April immediately after signing Kirk Cousins (pictured) to a four-year, $180 million deal.
