Chris Simms reveals his “shock of the weekend” in the NFL preseason
The Atlanta Falcons are handling their quarterback situation in an unusual way.
First, they are paying too much to keep Kirk Cousins away from the Minnesota Vikings.
Then they use their number 8 to get Michael Penix Jr.
Now, in their second preseason game, they didn’t even use their first-round rookie.
NFL analyst Chris Simms called this the “shock of the weekend” and it could be an indication of concerns about whether Cousins will be ready to play in Week 1.
Shock of the weekend: Michael Penix is not playing. Are they worried if Kirk Cousins is ready for Week 1? That would be the only reason they wouldn’t let Penix play. Why not let him get the reps he needs?
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) 19 August 2024
Penix made a very impressive impression in his first NFL appearance and some said he was actually the best rookie quarterback of the first week.
The fact that they didn’t let him play at all despite his health is strange to say the least.
Despite his advanced age for a quarterback candidate and his experience, Penix could certainly use the reps.
The Falcons have high hopes for signing him as the No. 8 pick, and they can count on him to be their starter going forward, which only makes this decision more puzzling.
There is also not much news on Cousins’ recovery from that season-ending injury, so it is not yet known whether or not he will be in the mix when the season begins.
Whatever the case, this situation has led to a lot of uncomfortable conversations, and you certainly don’t want to start a new era with a new quarterback.