Falcons slammed for Kirk Cousins decision that 'changed the course of the franchise'

Shane Shoemaker

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Falcons slammed for Kirk Cousins decision that 'changed the course of the franchise' image

Where has that Kirk Cousins been?

That’s what Atlanta Falcons fans were asking after the 37-year-old took down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 29-28 in Week 15.

Despite playing in a game that was utterly meaningless — given the Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week — Cousins had his best game of the year in his fifth start.

Cousins completed 30 of 44 passes for a season-high 373 yards and three touchdowns. But really, that should come as no surprise, considering Cousins owns the Buccaneers. In his last three games against them, he’s 3-0, throwing for 1,158 yards with 11 touchdowns and one interception.

"Kirk Cousins might as well be Joe Montana vs. The Bucs," ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said.

Will Kirk Cousins Be Back as Falcons’ Starting QB?

What Thursday night’s stunner did for the Falcons was probably present them with more questions than answers.

Many believed Cousins was done after last year’s midseason benching in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Raheem Morris handed Penix the reins entering this season with only three starts under his belt. Then Penix went down in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers, suffering an ACL injury.

Since then, Cousins has been back under center, going 2-2 while the team fell to 5-9 and missed the playoffs for the eighth straight season. With three games to go, if Cousins were to repeat performances like the one against the Buccaneers, would he be in line to be next year’s starter?

Given that Penix will likely still be sidelined entering next season, it’s very possible. But the Falcons also don’t have to keep him. Cutting Cousins after June 1 would save the team $35 million.

Is Kirk Cousins Better Than Michael Penix Jr.?

The Kirk Cousins–Michael Penix Jr. Debate will continue well into the 2026 offseason, just as it did in 2024 and 2025 — unless the Falcons cut Cousins. ESPN Radio’s Mark Zinno, who believes Cousins is better than Penix, says the situation is already too far gone for Cousins and the Falcons.

"Not to pick at a scab here … but Kirk Cousins is so much better than Michael Penix," Zinno said. "The colossal mistake by the organization to bench him last year is/was unrecoverable. It was a point of no return that changed the course of direction for the franchise."

Penix has just 12 starts in his NFL career — barely enough to judge — and his coaching staff isn’t doing him many favors. If things continue to spiral, Raheem Morris could be on the hot seat by season’s end.

It’s tough to say whether benching Cousins was the wrong move. At the time, the Falcons were sputtering and needed a spark, plus Cousins was injured — something that wasn’t fully revealed until much later.

One thing is for sure: with three games left this season, there will be plenty of tough decisions awaiting Atlanta by the end.

Editorial Team