Falcons' Kirk Cousins - Told Michael Penix Jr. 'I'd be in his corner' - ESPN

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Less than 24 hours after being benched, Kirk Cousins said he will do what he can to help new Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons coach Raheem Morris on Tuesday made the decision to start Penix following the team's 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on «Monday Night Football.» Cousins struggled in that game, was limited in the game plan and now has nine interceptions in his past five outings.

«It's pro football, and there's a standard that I have for myself, that the team has for me, that unfortunately I wasn't playing up to that standard consistently enough,» Cousins said Wednesday in his first comments since the change. «And so, it is what it is, and you roll with it and now you still get ready — 'one play away' kind of a thing — and support Mike and just try to help our team be able to find a way to win these last three to get in the playoffs, and that's what it's all about.»

Cousins said he spoke to Morris on the phone Tuesday evening and was informed that Penix would start moving forward. After that, Cousins said he called the rookie.

«Just let him know I'd be in his corner and supporting him and trying to help him any way I can,» Cousins said.

Why did he feel the need to make that phone call?

«I like to shoot elephants in the room, so I just wanted to shoot one,» Cousins said.

Penix said he was shopping with his girlfriend at Costco when he got the call from Morris that he'd be the starter for the rest of the season. He was about to buy a hot dog, but said once he got the news he wasn't hungry anymore.

«As you can imagine, it was some nerves, it was excitement, but I'm just super blessed to be in this position, super blessed to be on this team for the opportunity,»