The Atlanta Falcons made a big offseason splash by signing QB Kirk Cousins.
They also drafted QB Michael Penix Jr with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Before the season, the Atlanta Falcons were expected to win the NFC South. They were 6-3 a few weeks ago but they have since lost three straight games and are now 6-6.
Kirk Cousins has been horrendous over the last three games. He has not thrown a passing TD in three straight games and has thrown one or more interceptions in each of the last three contests.
Cousins has been hot and cold this season but lately, he has been just cold. He has three games of recording 3+ passing TDs. However, he has thrown six interceptions compared to zero passing TDs in the last three games.
Below, we discuss whether the Falcons should consider benching Kirk Cousins and whether Atlanta is in danger of missing the playoffs entirely.
Should The Atlanta Falcons Bench Kirk Cousins?
Kirk Cousins has been horrible recently. He has not thrown a passing TD in three straight games. Cousins has thrown one or more interceptions in each of the last three contests.
While it is difficult to decide to bench Kirk Cousins this late into the season, it is a discussion the Falcons’ organization needs to have.
Atlanta has lost three straight and it has been on Cousins. The Falcons scored 17 or fewer points in three straight games but have allowed 20 or fewer points in two of their last three games.
They face the Minnesota Vikings in week 14. Minnesota has a tough defense that gets after opposing QBs. This may not be the week to start rookie QB Penix Jr.
However, if Kirk Cousins struggles once again and Atlanta loses, their next two opponents are the Raiders and Giants.
The Raiders and Giants are both weaker teams that a rookie QB can be successful against.
If Cousins once again puts up an awful performance in week 14 against Minnesota, the Falcons should strongly consider benching Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Will The Atlanta Falcons Win The NFC South Or Miss The Playoffs Entirely?
Atlanta’s best chance of making the playoffs is by winning their division. They are 6-6. Washington is seventh in the NFC with an 8-5 record.
Atlanta is tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South, each with a 6-6 record. The Falcons have the edge over the Bucs as Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay twice this season.
However, the Falcons have let Tampa Bay back in the divisional race by dropping three straight games. Tampa Bay’s schedule is soft, facing the Raiders, Cowboys, Panthers, and Saints in their final five weeks. The only playoff team remaining on Tampa Bay’s schedule is the Chargers in week 15.
Atlanta has a tougher final five games. They play the Vikings and Commanders, both on the road. That game against Washington could end up being critical if Atlanta loses their divisional lead over the Bucs.
With the Bucs on a two-game winning streak, getting healthier, and with an easier schedule remaining than Atlanta, the Falcons are in danger of missing the playoffs.
