Kirk Cousins will make his return to Minnesota this weekend as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. It may not be the homecoming that he was hoping for, though, as he is likely playing for his starting spot, and maybe for his career.
Kirk Cousins Struggles Leading Up To His Homecoming
By signing with the Falcons this past off-season, Cousins turned down the offer that the Vikings extended. It ended his six-year stay in Minnesota, where he became the franchise’s 3rd all time leading passer, and he accepted a four-year contract that included $100 million in guarantees. It was a decision that he says he would have thought about more if he knew that Atlanta would select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the draft a month later.
Now, upon his return to his old home, the calls for Penix to take over as the Falcons’ starter are getting louder.
Cousins likely had the December 8th game against his old team circled on the calendar when the schedule was released. But he surely didn’t think he’d be coming into the contest in the middle of a tough slump.
Some thoughts from #Falcons QB Kirk Cousins ahead of his return to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. #Vikings pic.twitter.com/TU2vRH7r87
— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) December 4, 2024
The once 6-3 Falcons have lost three games in a row, and poor quarterback play has been one of the major culprits. Cousins has failed to convert a single passing touchdown in those three games, and has thrown a total of six interceptions. His completion percentage during the slump sits at 62.9%, down from his mark of 72.5% that he posted in the previous five.
Some fans in Atlanta believe that the team should turn to their young quarterback option. The Falcons’ 6-6 record is good enough to put them in a tie with the Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South, and the thought is to get Penix some experience before the playoffs start. Even Matt Ryan, the team’s former QB, says that the rookie should see the field if Kirk Cousins continues to struggle.
Michael Penix Jr. was selected 8th overall after playing for Indiana and Washington in college. He led the latter to a National Championship appearance last season, and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.
The Vikings are listed as a 6-point favorite for Cousins’ homecoming.
