Kirk Cousins has led the Atlanta Falcons in a storm of controversy as their playoff hopes hang by a thread. The franchise is on a crushing four-game losing streak, with fans and analysts pointing fingers at the veteran quarterback who signed a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024.
Kurt Benkert Shows Where Kirk Cousins Is Going Wrong
Cousins’ struggles are mounting by the day, and former Green Bay Packers QB Kurt Benkert didn’t hold back during his analysis of the Falcons’ QB’s game, tweeting on X:
“This is NOT $40M a year QB play. If he was an undrafted rookie he would’ve been cut by now. If the Falcons want to be a serious organization they NEED to move on to Michael Penix Jr. ASAP.”
Benkert’s tweet followed a roughly 10-minute video showing the mistakes of the 36-year-old Cousins.
This is NOT $40m a year QB play. If he was an undrafted rookie he would have been cut by now.
If the Falcons want to be a serious organization they NEED to move on to Michael Penix Jr. ASAP.
(the one play in here was ruled a catch but that's besides the point) pic.twitter.com/vZrj2l9ddW
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) December 10, 2024
Cousins’ numbers over the last four games paint a sad picture for a player of his stature: zero touchdowns, eight interceptions, and an Atlanta offense that can’t find its rhythm.
Meanwhile, Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris has reinforced his commitment to Cousins, insisting that the veteran remains the Falcons’ best shot at salvaging their season.
However, the pressure to play rookie Michael Penix Jr. — drafted No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft — is growing louder. Penix, who threw for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns in his final two seasons for the Washington Huskies, is seen as the franchise’s future.
“I like that. It’s for sure Kirk, our quarterback, but I have no hesitations on what our young man’s [Penix] been doing and how he’s been preparing and the things that he’s ready to do.”
As things stand, Cousins is Morris’ preferred option.
“If that time ever came, I would have a lot of confidence in what Mike’s able to do, but Kirk [Cousins]’ is our quarterback. Kirk’s the guy who’s going to lead us. We’ve still got a big-time opportunity coming up here on Monday Night Football with Kirk leading us, and I’m fired up to go out there and get us to play better,” the Falcons’ HC said.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the Falcons’ original plan remains intact: Let Cousins finish the season unless playoff hopes are dashed, then evaluate Penix in the offseason. But with every interception Cousins throws, fans grow more impatient.
Atlanta still has its offensive firepower to lean on, including running back Bijan Robinson (977 rushing yards), wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. Yet, Cousins’ season totals — 3,396 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions — spell inconsistency that Atlanta simply can’t afford.
Monday Night Football against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders offers a chance for Atlanta to get back on track. It could also serve as a soft landing for Penix if Morris decides to roll the dice. Whether Morris’ loyalty to Cousins pays off or costs Atlanta its season will soon be clear.