The Atlanta Falcons have made a change at quarterback.
Due to Kirk Cousins’ recent struggles, the team will be going with rookie Michael Penix Jr.
The writing was on the wall recently.
In his last five games, Cousins, in the first year of a four-year, $180 million deal, has just one touchdown pass and nine interceptions.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium Aug. 9, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Rich Story/Getty Images)
When the Falcons took Penix with the eighth pick, it sent shockwaves throughout the league, considering it had been just weeks since they signed Cousins ​​to his contract. However, the Falcons need an upgrade, and they clearly think this is it.
“After review, we have made the decision that Michael Penix will be the first player for the Atlanta Falcons moving forward,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. “This was a football decision, and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
Penix threw for 4,903 yards with 36 touchdowns and 11 touchdowns in his final season with Washington, his lone loss this season was in the national championship to Michigan.
Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins ​​(18) and Michael Penix Jr. (9) of the Atlanta Falcons during practice at the Atlanta Falcons’ training complex May 14, 2024, in Flower Branch, Ga. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NFL LEGEND DREW BREES DOESN’T COUNT OFF RUNS DESPITE LITTLE RUNS: ‘THE GUARANTEE’
Cousins, who turned 36 during practice, tore his Achilles last year, his final season in Minnesota.
In his 13th NFL season, Cousins ​​got off to a slow start, throwing for 864 yards, four touchdowns and four picks in his first four games. In his next five, he had 13 touchdowns and three picks while averaging 292.8 passing yards per contest. But his last five have not been forgotten.
During that time, he has completed 62.7% of his passes, and his lone touchdown came Monday in a 15-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Penix Jr. warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis Dec. 8, 2024. (Photos by Jeffrey Becker/Imagn)
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
Atlanta has lost its past four to lose the division lead.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle.