Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Position Preview

The Atlanta Falcons enter August with a much different quarterback cap than the one that ended 2023. Not to mention, high expectations hang over two of those signals. When a franchise commits money or a premium draft pick to a quarterback, it fully expects a serious return on investment.

In all fairness, the Falcons aren’t lacking in experience or talent when it comes to their quarterbacks. As the schedule slowly inches closer to kickoff against Pittsburgh on September 8, all eyes will be on the franchise’s two quarterbacks.

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Apart from the notoriety for that sound clip, Kirk Cousins ​​continues to defy critics and delight financial planners with his ability to complete passes and cash checks. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract, the veteran passer arrives in Atlanta with legitimate expectations. Arthur Blank has never been stingy with his wallet, and his expectations have grown accordingly.

Cousins ​​is the Falcons’ best quarterback since Matt Ryan left town. What makes Cousins ​​interesting? Although he’s entering his thirteenth season, Cousins ​​maintains good pass rush at all three levels. Plus, he continues to not only move an offense, but run it. Remember, he eventually earned the starting job at Michigan State over Nick Foles who transferred.

Plus, Washington drafted him in the same class as Robert Griffin III, ostensibly to serve as a backup. In the long run, he proved to be a better professional and continues to play. Despite all that, Cousins ​​won’t thrill the crowds. His style exudes the vibes of a Volvo station wagon.

It works safely and gets you from point A to point B without much risk. With a slew of high-level weapons like Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson, the Falcons don’t need Cousins ​​to be the star.

He simply can’t be the flat tire the Falcons have had playing quarterback, bringing down the offense, over the past two seasons.

The Falcons expect him to lead this franchise for the next two seasons, until they feel Michael Penix, Jr. appears ready.

The apprentice

Athletically, Penix is ​​right up there with Michael Vick in the arm talent department. He is blessed with a howitzer for a left arm. The ball explodes out of his hand with excellent velocity and touch. When the route calls for running a receiver, Penix puts the ball right in front of the receiver.

Likewise, when he throws into a tight window, his fastball will be effective. Despite his athleticism, no one would consider the former Washington Husky legend a scrambler. Penix escapes the rush enough to allow receivers to beat coverage.

When the Falcons signed him, you could hear the collective outcry from fans and media alike. Yet the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Kirk Cousins’ contract becomes flexible for the Falcons in two seasons.

Preview

No matter what the future holds for the Atlanta Falcons, the team definitely has a future. With Cousins, Atlanta can field a proven starter with excellent accuracy and command of the offense he will take over.

At the same time, Michael Penix Jr. can learn the NFL game, take some time, grasp the nuances of the game. More importantly, the rookie must remain ready, in case of injury. In those circumstances, a bad snap will force him and the Falcons to start their future earlier than they would like.