Michael Penix Jr. replaces Kirk Cousins as Falcons' starting QB - ESPN

Michael Penix Jr. is the new starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Cousins is heading to the bench, coach Raheem Morris announced Tuesday night.

«After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,» Morris said in a statement released by the team. «This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.»

The Falcons beat the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak. But Cousins was just 11-of-17 passing for 112 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He has nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass in his past five games.

Cousins didn't throw on first down in the first half Monday night, the first time that has occurred in his 13-year career. He threw on first down to open the second half and it resulted in an interception by Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier combined for 34 carries, which was the bulk of the team's offense.

After the game, Cousins said he had to play better, and that Morris indicating as much in his postgame news conference was stating the «obvious.»

Cousins, 36, is completing 64.7% of his passes with 18 touchdowns and a league-high 16 interceptions. He also has 12 fumbles, tied for most in the NFL with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The Falcons signed Cousins, who was coming off a torn right Achilles that ended his 2023 season in Week 8, to a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason. About $100 million of that is guaranteed, though most of that money comes off the books by 2026. The Falcons will pay Cousins $62.5 million this season.

Penix,