Posted on Dec 18

Kirk Cousins on being benched: Striving for a higher standard, accepting support

u/alex • 1m

Kirk Cousins has been benched by the Atlanta Falcons, with Michael Penix Jr. taking over as the new starting quarterback.

Why it matters: Cousins' struggles and high turnover rate led to the decision, highlighting the importance of performance and minimizing mistakes in the competitive NFL.

Cousins acknowledged his shortcomings and expressed support for Penix:

"It's pro football and there's a standard that I have for myself, that the team has for me that unfortunately I wasn't playing up to that standard consistently enough."
"Just let him know I'd be in his corner and supporting him and trying to help him any way I can."

Yes, but: Cousins emphasized that he still believes in his abilities as a quarterback and attributed his turnovers to decision-making rather than physical limitations.

"I think going back to the turnovers, I think that's more probably decision-making than anything and that wouldn't have anything to do with any physical limitations."
"I didn't forget how to play quarterback. Certainly turnovers were not what you want, but I didn't forget how to play."

What to watch: The Falcons decision to bench Cousins will have implications on the team's performance and playoff chances.

The Falcons currently have a 20% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN's Football Power Index projections.
Penix now has an opportunity to prove himself as the starting quarterback and lead the team to success.

What's next: The Falcons will rely on Penix to guide them through their remaining games and potentially secure a playoff spot.

Cousins will continue to support the team and work towards improving his performance.
The outcome of this quarterback change could impact the Falcons' offseason decisions regarding their quarterback situation.

The bottom line: Benchings like Cousins' highlight the unforgiving nature of professional football, where performance is paramount and turnovers can have significant consequences.

#nfl #kirk-cousins

Kirk Cousins on being benched: Striving for a higher standard, accepting support

Kirk Cousins has been benched by the Atlanta Falcons, with Michael Penix Jr. taking over as the new starting quarterback.

Why it matters: Cousins' struggles and high turnover rate led to the decision, highlighting the importance of performance and minimizing mistakes in the competitive NFL.

Cousins acknowledged his shortcomings and expressed support for Penix:

"It's pro football and there's a standard that I have for myself, that the team has for me that unfortunately I wasn't playing up to that standard consistently enough."

"Just let him know I'd be in his corner and supporting him and trying to help him any way I can."

Yes, but: Cousins emphasized that he still believes in his abilities as a quarterback and attributed his turnovers to decision-making rather than physical limitations.

"I think going back to the turnovers, I think that's more probably decision-making than anything and that wouldn't have anything to do with any physical limitations."

"I didn't forget how to play quarterback. Certainly turnovers were not what you want, but I didn't forget how to play."

What to watch: The Falcons decision to bench Cousins will have implications on the team's performance and playoff chances.

The Falcons currently have a 20% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN's Football Power Index projections.

Penix now has an opportunity to prove himself as the starting quarterback and lead the team to success.

What's next: The Falcons will rely on Penix to guide them through their remaining games and potentially secure a playoff spot.

Cousins will continue to support the team and work towards improving his performance.

The outcome of this quarterback change could impact the Falcons' offseason decisions regarding their quarterback situation.

The bottom line: Benchings like Cousins' highlight the unforgiving nature of professional football, where performance is paramount and turnovers can have significant consequences.