Michael Strahan slams Kirk Cousins after Falcons benching

In the United States during December 2024, the Atlanta Falcons made a significant change in their quarterback lineup, opting to bench Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. This decision was made following a series of disappointing performances by Cousins, who had led the team to a 7-7 record while struggling significantly in passing efficiency. Notably, in his last games, Cousins did not register any touchdowns and threw eight interceptions, leading to mounting frustrations within the team and prompting head coach Raheem Morris to make the change after a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Michael Strahan, a former NFL player and Hall of Famer, voiced a harsh assessment of Cousins’ season, referring to him as “consistently mediocre.” Strahan emphasized that while players may still view themselves as great, their skills can diminish over time, a fate which he believes had caught up with the 35-year-old Cousins. Strahan made it clear that he thinks Cousins must take on a mentoring role for Penix moving forward, instructing the rookie on the intricacies of the game. This shift in roles is critical for the Falcons as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs during the remaining weeks of the season. Despite being benched, there are indications that Cousins will remain with the team in some capacity, enabling him to guide Penix as needed. However, the Falcons are reportedly considering cutting Cousins before March to avoid paying out the remainder of his contract, which includes about $90 million over the next three years. His initially lucrative four-year contract worth $180 million seems increasingly difficult to justify following this poor performance and the emergence of Penix as a potential long-term quarterback for the Falcons. As the team navigates the final weeks of the regular season, the implications of these quarterback changes are enormous, not only for the Falcons' immediate playoff hopes but also for the career trajectory of both Cousins and Penix. Based on the team's recent form, the Falcons could struggle to maintain their playoff position unless they secure victories in their remaining games, making the quarterback decisions all the more crucial.