Kirk Cousins ​​shares his reaction to the Falcons benching him for Michael Penix Jr.

The future is now in Atlanta.

Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris announced Tuesday night that the team has decided to bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​and start rookie Michael Penix Jr. in his place on Sunday against the New York Giants .

Cousins, who will be the backup quarterback on Sunday for the first time since 2014, commented on the news in a press conference at the Falcons’ facility on Wednesday. He said he called Penix Tuesday night and told the rookie he had his full support.

“I like shooting elephants in the room, so I just wanted to shoot one,” Cousins ​​said of his decision to call Penix. “…He was great; he’s ready to put in the work and play well.”

Atlanta started the season 6-3, with Cousins ​​throwing 17 touchdowns and posting a 101.9 passer rating in that span, matching his level of play in 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings before he tore his Achilles tendon last October. But Cousins ​​has looked like a shell of his former self since then, throwing nine interceptions and recording a 63.8 passer rating over the last five games – with four of those resulting in losses.

“I haven’t forgotten how to play quarterback,” Cousins ​​said. “Certainly the turnovers weren’t what you want, but I didn’t forget how to play.”

“…It’s professional football. There is a standard that I have for myself, that the team has for me. Unfortunately, I haven’t lived up to this standard consistently enough. It is what it is. You can deal with it.”

Penix will now practice for a full week as the Falcons’ starting quarterback before facing the two-win Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As for cousins? He’ll be holding a clipboard on Sunday, and if Penix stays healthy and shines as a starter, Cousins ​​could be looking for a new home this spring.