ATLANTA, Fla. — Not even a full season after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 4-year, $180 million contract, the Atlanta Falcons are turning to Tampa-native rookie Michael Penix Jr. to try to save the season and keep pace with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night.
“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix Jr. will be the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback moving forward,” Morris said. “This was a football decision, and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
The Falcons (7-7) ended a four-game losing streak with Monday night’s ugly 15-9 winat Las Vegas. Cousins passed for 112 yards with one touchdown — his first TD pass in five games — and one interception. The 36-year-old has thrown nine picks over the past five games and leads the NFL with …