Falcons: Penix still QB1 despite Cousins' entrance

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins entered the team's game late Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, but head coach Raheem Morris made it clear there is no quarterback competition.

Cousins replaced the struggling Michael Penix Jr. with 10:44 left in a game in which the Falcons were down 27-0 to their NFC South division rivals. Cousins wasn't able to move the ball much in his first series, with Atlanta turning the ball over on downs.

The Falcons ultimately were shut out, losing 30-0 to the Panthers in a game where Atlanta was significantly favored.

Morris said, "the game was out of hand" when asked why he put Cousins in, and he wanted to keep his starters "out of harm's way." He flatly said, "no," when asked if Cousins would be able to compete for the starting job this week.

Penix was 18-of-36 for 172 yards and two interceptions Sunday, including his first career pick-six.

"I'm never OK with not playing," Penix said when asked about Cousins entering the game. "At the end of the day, I listened to my head coach, and he did what he felt was best for the team and the decision that was made by him. So, I've got to respect it, and I've got to be there to support Kirk whenever he is out there. He does that for me."

Cousins was the Falcons' starting quarterback last season after signing a contract worth $100 million guaranteed in the 2024 offseason. The Falcons then selected Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft.

Last season, Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 start before a disastrous stretch that started around midseason. Cousins was benched in Week 16, following a string of five games with nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass. Penix was named the starter moving forward and performed well in the team's final three games, despite the Falcons going 1-2 and missing the playoffs.

Many expected Cousins to be released or traded this past offseason, but the Falcons made it clear that they were comfortable keeping him around as a backup. A very expensive backup, at that. Cousins will make a guaranteed $27.5 million this season.

Cousins finished 5-of-7 for 79 yards without a touchdown or interception.

Penix had issues in the first half with his headset going in and out but said it improved as the game went on. Overall, he missed several throws he should have made, and the offense looked clunky.