ATL Standard

Raheem Morris, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has announced a change in the team's quarterback position. After weeks of declining performance from Kirk Cousins, Morris decided to give Michael Penix Jr. the opportunity to lead the offense.

Morris expressed his hopes for Cousins' recovery over the past month, saying he wished "every single week" that Cousins would overcome his slump. However, after a meeting with Cousins at the team's facility in Flowery Branch on Tuesday night, it was determined that a change was necessary.

"Any time you take a step down, a demotion, it's not going to be met with great appreciation and all those things," Morris said. He praised Cousins as "a professional" who handled the situation "with class."

Cousins' struggles have been evident for some time, with questions arising about his future as Atlanta's starting quarterback due to his declining performance. Despite giving him ample opportunity to improve, Morris and his staff concluded it was time for a change.

"We had been searching, been digging as much as we can dig to make things work," Morris explained. The decision aims to enhance their play at quarterback and explore new possibilities.

Despite initially having confidence in Cousins' ability to rebound, Morris acknowledged that they have not seen improvement: "I had a lot of confidence that we would do better at the position... And we just haven't."

Penix is now preparing for his first career start in the league. While mentally ready according to Morris, Penix needs more practice time with the first-team offense to build connections with key players like Drake London and Darnell Mooney.

"The young man has been preparing to go the entire year," Morris stated about Penix's readiness.

In their conversation on Tuesday night, Cousins expressed his intention to become "the best No. 2 quarterback in the National Football League." As for his long-term future with the Falcons, decisions remain pending.

"We have those long-term decisions that have to be made," concluded Morris, "but that's not right now."