The Atlanta Falcons made the move that was inevitable after results of their recent five-game stretch have them fighting for their postseason lives. After starting 6-3 with the NFC South in control, the Falcons have executed a 1-4 stretch capped off by a victory Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders that felt more like a loss.
Their big-time offseason acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins started off in a very productive manner for the team. But his play devolved and he became the Falcons' biggest obstacle toward success in recent games. Just 14 games into a contract that has $100 million guaranteed through the first two seasons, the Cousins experiment in Atlanta is over and the team will be moving forward with rookie QB Michael Penix Jr.