The Atlanta Falcons made the biggest splash on draft night.
“Splash” in terms of the pure shock they provided the football world when they decided to select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.
It seems like that move will either turn out to be genius or disastrous – there can be nothing in-between…
In a recent interview on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Kirk Cousins – aka the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback who the Falcons just gave a four-year, $180 million deal to – spoke about the organization’s controversial decision.
Cousins admitted he was shocked that the team opted to draft a fellow quarterback rather than use such a marquee pick on a player who could help the Falcons win now.
However, he maturely added that harboring any ill-feelings towards the front office or Penix would be selfish and irresponsible.
I don’t think there can be (any discord) … I don’t think it’s helpful,” he said.
“We’re trying to win a Super Bowl, and it’s hard enough. Let’s all be on the same page and try and go win a Super Bowl (together).”
Despite initial reports of confusion and frustration from Cousins’ camp following the draft, the quarterback emphasized his commitment to the team’s collective goal.
“I don’t really deal in hypotheticals,” he said. “We could go down that path for a long time, in a lot of ways. It just doesn’t do us any good.
“So, I’m excited for this opportunity I have. I think it’s a real privilege to be a quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, and I’m trying to make good on the opportunity given me, with the way I work each day and the way we play this fall.”
Addressing speculation about whether he would have still signed with the Falcons had he known their draft plans, Cousins dismissed the notion of dwelling on hypothetical scenarios.
Drawing from past experiences, Cousins highlighted his awareness of the NFL’s ruthless nature, where teams will constantly do what they feel is best, whether you agree with it or not.
The Falcons are optimistic about Cousins’ progress following his recovery from a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in 2023.
Head coach Raheem Morris affirmed that Cousins is “pretty much full go” for the offseason program.
Despite the disappointing developments on draft night, Cousins did something that many in his position wouldn’t be able to bring themselves to do: He called Penix and welcomed him to the team with open arms.
(Although I’m sure Brett Favre did the same thing to Aaron Rodgers back in 2005.)
“(I) just congratulated him on an awesome college career,” Cousins said of his conversation with Penix.
“I lived it. It’s hard to do. And what he did is at the top of the top in terms of college success. So, just wanted to let him know that I have the utmost respect for what he’s done and we’re ready to get to work. And I’m here if he needs me.”
Cousins is obviously extremely competitive and will fight like hell to make sure Penix never takes a meaningful snap while he’s a Falcon – However, the way he’s handled the whole entire situation oozes nothing but maturity and leadership.
First, what are your thoughts on Atlanta’s controversial decision to draft Penix with the eighth overall pick?
Would you have preferred they used that pick on a player that could help Cousins and the team win NOW?
Do you think there will come a time within the next four years that Penix ends up taking over for Cousins as the permanent starter???