1. Kirk's contract
This is exactly why the Atlanta Falcons drafting Penix in the position they did makes zero sense. You prepared for a scenario you are now facing a veteran quarterback who looks to have aged overnight and is missing layups. Not only that but Cousins is turning the ball over at a high rate without being able to sustain drives.
Penix is on the team to be able to step in when Cousins ages and is no longer able to play at a high level. However, due to one reason you are unable to make the switch and that is Kirk's contract. The problem for the Falcons is if Penix steps in and is great from day one you have the most expensive backup in the league.
You're left facing a lot of questions as to why you wasted cap space on Cousins and didn't spend to support your rookie quarterback. Penix stepping into the lineup and starting is a lose-lose situation with Kirk's current contract. That is the problem the Falcons have created for themselves. Cousins should be the starter for this team the next two seasons if he was playing anywhere close to a capable level.
2. No reason to start Penix vs. Brian Flores
In many ways, it is fitting that Kirk Cousins has his last stand as the starter against his former team. The Minnesota Vikings are 10-2 on the season and a team that has won consistently on the back of their defense. Brian Flores has turned the Vikings into the scariest blitz in the league finding ways to throw even the most experienced quarterbacks off their game.
This is likely Atlanta's last stand for the division lead with the Tampa Bay Bucs taking on the Las Vegas Raiders. Win the game against New York and you're likely going to take control of the NFC South unless the Falcons can upset the Vikings.
Allow Kirk Cousins the chance to face his former team and put the season back on track. Not only because of the contract situation but based on what Brian Flores could do against Penix. If the rookie quarterback gets a start this season it shouldn't be against arguably the toughest DC to face in the league. Cousins is far more equipped to win this game if he is going to turn his season around. Give him that chance understanding the change you must make with failure.
3. Week 15 would be the perfect time for Penix to debut
The Falcons play the Vikings in the early window on Sunday before having an extra day of rest. The Falcons' next game will be on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders. There couldn't be a more perfect time to put Michael Penix Jr. into the lineup if Kirk Cousins fails against the Vikings. The Raiders' defense is below average and isn't the threat to Penix that Minnesota would be.
You also have the chance for the Falcons to end their losing streak in incredible fashion. In a prime-time game, Penix could put the Falcons right back into the playoff conversation after four weeks of failure. It is the type of statement season-changing win the Falcons would need to give fans and pundits a reason to believe in them down the stretch.
Atlanta should beat the Raiders no matter who their starting quarterback is. However, if Kirk Cousins doesn't take care of the football and see his power return against the Raiders the team will need to make a change. It is the best possible time and the only chance you have to save the season and break the playoff drought.
