The Atlanta Falcons have acquired some flack for giving quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. little enjoying time in preseason, however head coach Raheem Morris feels it is not well worth the danger.
“[It’s not about] me defending myself for a choice we made collectively,” Morris stated Monday throughout an interview with FanDuel’s “Up & Adams.” “It is about defending our belongings.”
Cousins is not anticipated to play in preseason. Penix, in the meantime, performed within the preseason opener in opposition to the Dolphins however sat out of their second recreation vs. the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. He is not scheduled to play within the preseason finale vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday.
Not letting the QBs swimsuit up makes some sense, contemplating every has sturdiness considerations. Throughout Cousins’ final season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in Week 8 vs. the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Earlier than transferring to Washington, Penix — the eighth total choose of the 2024 NFL Draft — had 4 season-ending accidents in 4 seasons at Indiana, together with three proper ACL tears.
If Cousins and Penix suffered accidents, the Falcons must flip to backup Taylor Heinicke, who’s been an inconsistent starter all through his profession. In six seasons with the Panthers, Falcons, Commanders and Texans, the previous undrafted free agent has a 13-15-1 beginning document within the common season.
Nonetheless, not enjoying Cousins or Penix might create issues. Resting in preseason might forestall Cousins from growing chemistry along with his new weapons.
Penix is not anticipated to begin this season however wants reps to achieve extra expertise. Towards the Dolphins, he accomplished 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards and posted a below-average 76 passer score, signaling he nonetheless has room for enchancment.
The Falcons’ technique is comprehensible. Nonetheless, if Atlanta’s offense falters resulting from poor QB play this season, sitting them within the preseason might seem like a mistake.
