Many are still wondering why the Atlanta Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a generous contract in free agency.
While Cousins is 35 and coming off a torn Achilles he suffered midway through last season, he could have a few good years left in him, which would mean Penix will have to remain on the sidelines for a while.
It has also led to speculation that there could be a true quarterback controversy in Atlanta, but Penix says he feels “blessed” to learn how to play his position from Cousins, per Around the NFL.
Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix feels “blessed” to learn from Kirk Cousinshttps://t.co/Ot6ZjPOnzd pic.twitter.com/IlEjL390dx
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 10, 2024
Penix made a name for himself last season by throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading the University of Washington to an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
The Falcons apparently thought very highly of him, as they took him with the No. 8 pick, ahead of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who was considered the fourth-best QB in the draft by most experts.
Cousins has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, but he is recovering from an injury that has ended many athletes’ careers in the past.
Perhaps that was the thinking behind Atlanta taking Penix instead of someone such as wide receiver Rome Odunze or tight end Brock Bowers.
They do already have two solid weapons in wideout Drake London, TE Kyle Pitts, and running back Bijan Robinson, and they likely believe they have a real shot at winning the NFC South and making the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season.
The post Michael Penix Jr. Gets Honest About Being Backup To Kirk Cousins appeared first on The Cold Wire.