The quarterback room in Atlanta just got a whole lot louder. On paper, the Falcons wrote a massive check to secure Kirk Cousins—$180 million over four years. But in practice? The locker room might already be rallying behind someone else. A Falcons reporter sent shockwaves through camp after daring to ask what some fans have been whispering: Is Kirk Cousins even the best quarterback on this roster right now? Rookie Michael Penix Jr. forced everyone to reevaluate what’s really best for Atlanta.
Three games. That’s all it took last season for Penix Jr. to rewrite the depth chart. Even head coach Raheem Morris took notice—and didn’t flinch. He officially named Penix the starter heading into 2025. But now here comes the surprising twist. A tweet on X revealed, “Raheem Morris said neither Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins will play this Friday in the first preseason game vs. Detroit.” That’s not a vote of confidence.
Raheem Morris said neither Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins will play this Friday in the first preseason game vs. Detroit.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 4, 2025
Because what training camp exposed can’t be buried under any tweet. Kirk Cousins looks like a man chasing ghosts—slowed by lingering shoulder and elbow pain, stuck watching his grip on the QB1 role dissolve. Penix isn’t just riding momentum anymore. He’s earning it in real time. In full-team drills, the rookie finished 7-of-11. Cousins? 7-of-12. On paper, it’s a hair’s difference. On the field, it’s a shift in power.
Penix’s composure under pressure is undeniable. “I just got to control what I can control,” he said after practice. Translation: he’s not waiting his turn—he’s taking it. And Kirk? His nightmare might already be reality.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned!
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