FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Less than 24 hours after being benched, Kirk Cousins stated he’ll do what he can to assist new Atlanta Falcons beginning quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Falcons coach Raheem Morris on Tuesday made the decision to start Penix following the workforce’s 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on “Monday Night Football.” Cousins struggled in that recreation, was restricted within the recreation plan and now has 9 interceptions in his previous 5 outings.
“It’s professional soccer, and there is a customary that I’ve for myself, that the workforce has for me, that sadly I wasn’t taking part in as much as that customary persistently sufficient,” Cousins stated Wednesday in his first feedback because the change. “And so, it’s what it’s, and also you roll with it and now you continue to prepare — ‘one play away’ type of a factor — and help Mike and simply attempt to assist our workforce be capable to discover a approach to win these final three to get within the playoffs, and that is what it is all about.”
Cousins stated he spoke to Morris on the telephone Tuesday night and was knowledgeable that Penix would begin shifting ahead. After that, Cousins stated he known as Penix.
“Just let him know I’d be in his nook and supporting him and attempting to assist him any means I can,” Cousins stated.
Why did he really feel the necessity to make that telephone name?
“I prefer to shoot elephants within the room, so I simply wished to shoot one,” Cousins stated.
The Falcons are 7-7 and sitting in second place within the NFC South. They personal the tiebreaker over the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers and nonetheless have a 20% probability of creating the playoffs, in accordance with ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) projections.
Atlanta hosts the two-win New York Giants on Sunday.
Morris stated Wednesday that the largest think about benching Cousins was his turnovers. Cousins has a league-high 16 interceptions, and his 12 fumbles is tied for probably the most within the NFL with Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Cousins, 36, stated he agreed with Morris that turnovers are a killer within the NFL. He reiterated that, regardless of getting back from a torn Achilles in 2023, he’s not injured.
“I feel going again to the turnovers, I feel that is extra most likely decision-making than something, and that would not have something to do with any bodily limitations,” Cousins stated.
Morris stated that Cousins expressed to him that he’ll be “one of the best No. 2 quarterback within the National Football League.”
As far as the longer term past this season, Cousins stated he’ll take care of that when the time comes.
When requested whether or not he nonetheless wished to be a starter within the NFL, Cousins replied: “I did not neglect learn how to play quarterback. Certainly turnovers weren’t what you need, however I did not neglect learn how to play.”
