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Kirk Cousins benched: Why the Falcons had to start Michael Penix Jr.

"If you believe in a quarterback, you have to take him, and if he sits for four or five years, that's a great problem to have because we're doing so well at that position."

That's what Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said about rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. when he shocked the NFL world by drafting him with the No. 8 overall pick in April, mere weeks after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract.

Unfortunately, Fontenot and the Falcons won't get that problem. Fifteen weeks into Cousins' tenure, he has been benched for his performance, and the franchise is turning the keys over to Penix.