Michael Strahan gives hard truth to Kirk Cousins after rookie Michael Penix shines in first Falcons start

The Atlanta Falcons have surged into first place in a tight NFC South race as the regular season winds down. Despite their recent success, it was rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who led the team to victory over the New York Giants, rather than the high-priced Kirk Cousins, who was signed to a lucrative contract earlier in the year.

Cousins had been struggling on the field, prompting head coach Raheem Morris to make a change at the quarterback position. After a string of lackluster performances, including four consecutive losses, Cousins was benched in favor of Penix. The move paid off, as Penix showcased his skills in his first NFL start, displaying quick decision-making and accuracy in a win over the Giants.

Following the game, NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan criticized Cousins, labeling his play as “consistently mediocre” and suggesting that his skills may have diminished. With Penix now at the helm, Strahan believes that Cousins should embrace a mentorship role and help guide the young quarterback as he navigates his rookie season.

Despite the Falcons’ success with Penix under center, there are rumors that Cousins could be released before the end of the season to avoid the remaining years on his contract. While Cousins was guaranteed a significant amount of money at signing, his underwhelming performances have put his future with the team in doubt.

As the Falcons continue their push for a playoff spot, the quarterback situation remains uncertain. Whether Penix will continue to lead the team or if Cousins will be given another chance remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on the final two weeks of the regular season and securing a postseason berth in a competitive NFC South race.