NFL fans want Michael Penix Jr. to replace Falcons' Kirk Cousins amid QB struggles | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

After just two games of the Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta, Falcons fans are ready to move on to Michael Penix Jr.

Cousins struggled in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, throwing for just 75 yards on 7-of-13 passing. He failed to find the end zone as the Falcons entered the first half trailing 7-6, their only points coming on two field goals.

He turned things around in the second half, mounting a game-winning drive to finish with 241 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns on 20-of-29 passing.

Although Cousins’ second-half performance made up for his slow start, fans were ready for the Falcons to bring in Penix after the first half.

ersanity @ERSANTE

As a long time Atlanta Falcons fan I can safely say that we ALL want to see Penix in the game NOW!!! #ATL vs PHI

Daily Giants @NYGDaily

Kirk Cousins can’t move. He’s clearly not healthy.
Just play Michael Penix Jr.

B9k @_B_r_o_c_k__

Put Michael Penix in it and leave him the keys.

Hunter Haas @Haas_Football

At some point you have to accept the sunk cost and start the player who gives you a better chance of winning football games.
I believe that player is Michael Penix Jr. currently for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jaiden Weaver @RaiderUte22

Can we see Penix now, please?

Broken White Sox Fan @Chiefs FanGolfer

Kirk Cousins can’t step up and throw his passes. It’s hard to imagine Penix Jr. not making this offense much more potent by at least being able to throw medium/deep passes.

Dakota Stanzel @stanzdak

Michael Penix Jr. expected to start for Atlanta

☹️ @ClayRedBlue

Kirk threw about 3 or 4 low balls
put Penix as a man why are we playing this guy who is not yet confident in his abilities

Some have questioned the Falcons’ selection of Penix so early, but if he takes over for Cousins and has success, it could seem like a smart choice.

Penix was a star in Washington, throwing for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading the Huskies to the national title and becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist. Whether his college success translates to the NFL remains to be seen, but he could soon get a chance to show what he can do.

Despite this being his first game back from a season-ending Achilles injury, Cousins got off to a horrendous start in Week 1. He threw for 155 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions on 16-of-26 passing as the Falcons lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Performances like Sunday’s won’t be enough to help Atlanta end its playoff drought, and another bad game could lead the Falcons to replace Cousins with Penix.