Atlanta Falcons offseason hate continues through June

Every week a new article is published somewhere that criticizes the Atlanta Falcons for how they handled their offseason.

After enduring a brutal season led by dismal performance from the quarterback, the team decided they would not let that happen again. They signed free agent Kirk Cousins ​​as a current solution, then signed MIchael Penix Jr. as a future solution.

The media has never been very friendly to the idea of ​​a team doubling as the most important position in sports, so this move has been subject to intense scrutiny. It is June and they are still criticizing this decision.

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report published an article titled “Which 2024 NFL Offseason Moves Will Be Worst in 3 Years?” ” and this appears to have been posted solely due to the trend of hatred directed at the Atlanta Falcons this offseason.

Unsurprisingly, the team whose quarterback position is now resolved for the next decade was listed first.

It looks at everything from Penix’s injury history in college (something he overcame during his time in Washington), his “average stats” (not sure how that is true), his age and, of course, the fact that Kirk Cousins ​​​​is on the field. list.

I understand it’s unconventional to invest significant resources into two quarterbacks in the span of two months, but it’s also a position you can’t win a Super Bowl without. Terry Fontenot lived the last two years with Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, the worst thing he could have done was not approach the position aggressively.

The Falcons wanted a solution to help them be competitive right now, so they signed Kirk Cousins. They also wanted a solution for post-Cousins, so they drafted MIchael Penix Jr. It’s that simple.

Penix didn’t have “average stats” in college, he proved he could stay on the field with the Huskies, he has generational arm talent, and age shouldn’t be a factor if you see a guy who you think could become one of the best. five players.

However, we should expect pessimism from the media in the coming years. This isn’t going to stop, no matter what.