A Wednesday report indicated that Atlanta Falcons
head coach Raheem Morris deliberate to present beginning quarterback Michael Penix Jr. “an extended runway “after Morris benched Penix in favor of veteran backup Kirk Cousins throughout Atlanta’s 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers this previous Sunday.
Whereas talking with reporters on Wednesday, Morris tried to silence chatter concerning a potential full-time quarterback change.
Do Falcons nonetheless believe in Michael Penix Jr.?
“Mike’s our quarterback and we have now a whole lot of confidence in Mike,” Morris mentioned, per Tori McElhaney of the Falcons’ web site. “We’re shifting ahead as a result of Mike’s the man.”
Cousins misplaced the Atlanta beginning job in December 2024 after he played poorly over a five-game stretch, throughout which the Falcons went from 6-3 to 7-7. Extra not too long ago, the 2025 Falcons misplaced two of three contests with Penix within the lineup.
In accordance with Pro Football Reference, Penix ranks twenty ninth within the NFL amongst certified quarterbacks with a 58.6 % completion share and twenty eighth with a 71.3 passer ranking for the season. His final landing go occurred in Week 1.
How shut are Falcons to enjoying Kirk Cousins over Michael Penix Jr.?
“We’re not even near that second with Mike,” Morris mentioned about probably turning again to Cousins. “Mike had a foul recreation (towards Carolina). We had a foul day as a workforce. And it is simple for everyone to pile on the top coach, the coordinator, clearly, the quarterback. You are first in line for the injuries. He is simply in line proper now. He had a foul recreation, however he’ll bounce again, and I’ve a whole lot of confidence he’ll bounce again.”
Such a vote of confidence on Sept. 24 could not imply a lot if the Falcons offense continues to disappoint with its performances. ESPN stats present that Atlanta ranks thirty first within the league with a median of 14.0 factors per recreation for the season. To match, the Falcons ended Week 3 ranked second in yards allowed per contest (227.3).
“If you play as unhealthy as we performed final week, rightfully so,” Morris mentioned about those that have criticized the Atlanta offense for the reason that loss to Carolina. “Throw these issues. Throw these stones. There is not any doubt. We have been clearly predictable final week that we couldn’t do something, so rightful stone throwers. Throw away. I’ve no arguments. No fights. No nothing towards that.”
Shortly after Morris made his feedback, ESPN BET had the Falcons as 1.5-point underdogs for this coming Sunday’s dwelling recreation towards the 2-1 Washington Commanders. It stays to be seen if Morris will discover himself rethinking his quarterback scenario by the point that Week 4 matchup wraps up.
