After three straight seasons of going 7-10, the Falcons needed to make adjustments this offseason. That began with firing former head coach Arthur Smith and transferring on from QB Desmond Ridder. To exchange Smith, Atlanta employed a well-known face of their former defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris.
Moreover, the Falcons went all-in at QB this summer season and landed veteran Kirk Cousins in free company. They gave the 35-year-old a four-year, $180 million deal. Cousins is coming off a season-ending Achilles damage in 2023. Probably the most stunning transfer the Falcons made this offseason was utilizing the eighth general decide within the 2024 Draft to draft QB Michael Penix Jr. Just lately, Falcons marvel Arthur Clean spoke to the media to defend his resolution to draft Penix.
Michael Penix Jr. is the Falcons’ franchise QB of the long run
#Falcons proprietor Arthur Clean to @ajc on drafting Michael Penix: “Sooner or later, down the street, (followers)’ll wish to know that we are able to have a easy transition at that very important place for the Atlanta Falcons within the Nationwide Soccer League.” https://t.co/ig6i1EdtXE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2024
When the Falcons drafted QB Michael Penix Jr. out of Washington, it was a serious twist within the first spherical. Atlanta had simply invested in QB Kirk Cousins by means of free company. Guaranteeing him $100 million when he signed. Regardless, the Falcons felt they had been ready to draft Michael Penix Jr. regardless of different staff wants. Proprietor Arthur Clean mentioned he’s completely happy his franchise doesn’t take heed to the media and do what everybody else thinks they need to be doing. Many analysts had the Falcons taking a defensive participant with the first-round decide in 2024. As a substitute, they landed a proficient rookie QB.
Michael Penix Jr. performed six seasons in school, 4 with Indiana and two with Washington. The #8 decide within the 2024 Draft had accidents reduce his season brief on a number of events. Nonetheless, Penix made essentially the most of his alternatives with the Washington Huskies. In his ultimate two collegiate seasons, Penix Jr. performed in 28 video games. That included a beatdown within the 2024 Nationwide Championship to Michigan. He threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in his ultimate season with Washington. Now, the 28-year-old is the backup to Kirk Cousins and can get to be taught from him all through the season.
Some Michael Penix Jr. deep tosses. #Falcons pic.twitter.com/fhWcRlvw6M
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) July 31, 2024
Whereas the Falcons did spend money on Kirk Cousins, they know he won’t be their QB without end. Cousins turns 36 in August and father time comes for everybody within the league in some unspecified time in the future. In eight video games earlier than his damage in 2023, Kirk Cousins was 4-4 with the Falcons. He completed the season with 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. The Professional Bowler was on tempo to have a dominant statistical season. Cousins now will get the prospect to play with a proficient offense trio in Atlanta. That features RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, and TE Kyle Pitts. Atlanta desires to see their offense unlocked in 2024 and Cousins has the prospect to make that occur.
