The Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix Dilemma: A Falcoholic Discussion

We always see some sloppiness and rust in Week 1 of the regular season, especially since the NFL shortened the preseason to three games. But what we saw from expensive free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​in his first game back from his Achilles recovery was more concerning than just sloppiness and rust.

Combined with the fact that the Falcons have this year's No. 8 pick, Michael Penix Jr., fully healthy on the bench, it understandably raises the question of whether we'll see Penix at some point this season. Here's our take, and you can share yours in the comments.

We keep our fingers crossed for Kirk to knock off the rust, because he is the starter

That may not be what you want to hear… and I think Matt made some really strong arguments for letting Michael Penix play from the start. But unless Cousins ​​suffers a setback serious enough to show up on the injury report, I just can't imagine the team benching their $180 million man.

Cousins ​​has been most effective at quarterback throughout his career, and having Cousins ​​at quarterback wasn't part of the game plan on Sunday. But Cousins ​​did take some snaps at quarterback in Thursday's practice, so hopefully that's a sign the team will use him against the Eagles in a way that makes sense given his skills. Cousins ​​said Thursday that he's also changed his stance at the pistol, which may take some time to get used to.

A torn Achilles tendon is a real challenge to comeback from – not just physically, but mentally as well. Cousins ​​stressed that he was feeling fine both physically and mentally while speaking to the media in Flowery Branch on Thursday. But there's no denying that he didn't look relaxed at all on Sunday.

I think part of Cousins' rust on Sunday against the Steelers was just TJ Watt's incredible performance, and part of the mental hurdle of having Cousins ​​play at full speed for the first time since his injury. If I'm right (crossing fingers, toes, and maybe even your own Achilles), it might look shaky for a few weeks, but I expect Cousins ​​and the team to get going by Week 4 at the latest, and there's still plenty of the season left then. – Jeanna Kelley

Why is injured Kirk Cousins ​​​​in the starting lineup when Michael Penix is ​​healthy?

Another year and another time, Falcons fans are getting confusing, conflicting information about their quarterback. Raheem Morris said with a straight face that Kirk Cousins ​​was healthy. If that's true, Zac Robinson has put together a historically bad offensive plan. Realistically, I believe the plan was put together based on Cousins' current health. Cousins ​​wasn't ready to play on Sunday and, if that's the case, probably wouldn't play well come Monday.

I can understand using Cousins ​​when Desmond Ridder is on the bench. Maybe Morris thinks Cousins ​​is close to full production, but why not give his quarterback of the future a few key snaps while the veteran recovers? I don't see any risk if Cousins ​​can't throw the ball consistently for over a dozen yards.

The Falcons already face the worst-case scenario of losing winnable games early in a crucial season. Using Penix carries the same risk, but hopefully has the benefit of him getting some pro experience while Cousins ​​gets healthy. Morris isn't willing to admit, at least publicly, that Cousins ​​isn't healthy. Whether Morris announces it or not, he should start Penix on Monday. — Matt Chambers

Michael Penix watch is not around the corner

The marriage between Zac Robinson and Kirk Cousins ​​got off to a rocky start. The Falcons scored ten points, Cousins ​​looked uncertain and rusty, and Robinson was basically holding up a big sign with the plays he called and the formations the team used that said RUN or PASS. A nightmarish first game predictably raised questions here and there and everywhere about Cousins' health, Robinson's ability to coordinate, and the general state of the offense.

But it was just one game. Michael Penix is ​​the quarterback of the future, but I don't think anyone believes the Falcons want that future to start now. In their press conferences Thursday, Cousins ​​and Robinson both stressed that the frequent use of pistol and shotgun was not due to Cousins' health, which the quarterback said is fine. If you take their word for it, this was a rusty performance not helped by the struggles of a rookie playmaker. If you doubt those words, the Falcons certainly believe Cousins ​​is only getting healthier while Robinson improves.

It would take another injury or the season-delaying ineptitude we saw from Cousins ​​and Robinson in Week 1 over multiple weeks to see Penix, and even then the Falcons might be hesitant to turn to him, which would be a lost year at this point. If we see Penix before 2026 or Perhaps 2025, something has gone (even more) wrong. —Dave Choate

Is it strange that I feel apathetic either way?

Look, Sunday was terrible. I understand that, but if I'm being honest, I haven't given much thought to the idea of ​​moving to Michael Penix. That's mainly because I view the Week 1 mistakes as mostly coach's mistakes. I was fully prepared for Kirk Cousins ​​to show up and look bad, given the new offense, major injury, strong defense, etc. If we're being honest, it would have been a more shocking outcome if he had thrown for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Zac Robinson's offense, on the other hand, was something no one expected, like a laminated note from Bobby Petrino. Now that I've had to deal with the idea of ​​a quarterback controversy, I don't have strong feelings one way or the other.

There is a big chance that I am wrong, and cousin is cooked. Zac Robinson could call a game tailored to plays as many hope, and the quarterback's execution could fail, whether due to physical or mental limitations remains to be seen. If that happens, we'll get to see something from Penix. What's wrong with that? This league was built on young quarterbacks stealing the souls of the veterans ahead of them in the rankings. While I'd like to see Cousins ​​get in shape so we can justify his contract and have a good chance of putting together some sort of winning streak after this rough opener, I don't think Penix significantly lowers this team's minimum requirements.

Penix has superior physical attributes whether Cousins ​​is 100% healthy or not. He doesn't possess the experience and knowledge of a veteran like Cousins, but that's not a reliable indicator of whether or not Penix can succeed. It would certainly speed up the team's timeline for him, but I don't see that as a reason to panic. Personally, I don't put much stock in quarterbacks sitting out games; the results show it's a gamble and situations matter.

But before we get too far ahead: If Kirk Is healthy, we're happy as long as another rookie can successfully fill his role. That's where new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson comes in. If Robinson can't improve, then it doesn't matter if Cousins ​​is healthy or not. The team would also have the problem of Robinson being a hindrance to Penix's development. The young coordinator's progress has long-term implications for this franchise, so the question of who is under center is irrelevant until he improves. — Tre’Shon Diaz