By Brandon Simmons
Michael Penix Era Begins
The Atlanta Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins and decided to start rookie quarterback Michel Penix, Jr. Last week, the Falcons benched Cousins in the wake of a string of poor performances. Ironically, Cousins was part of a Falcons win over the Las Vegas Raiders last Monay night, but they barely won. That seemed to force the decision to put Penix into the starting role. Penix was selected 8th overall in the 2024 draft. It was a move that came shortly after Atlanta signed Cousins to a 4 year $180 million contract. Fast forward to this past week, where Penix led the team to a win over the New York Giants in his first start.
There is no doubt that the Falcons are dead set on having MPJ stay in this starting role for the longer term. It is already being reported that the Falcons intend to release Cousins this offseason and Penix hasn’t even taken a snap as a starter this season. He’s already set up in a good situation with Drake London as his wide receiver and Bijan Robinson leading the running backs. The defense isn’t perfect but they had their moments, including 2 pick sixes from Falcons safety Jese Bates and Falcons linebacker Matthew Judon. These next 2 games are going to be crucial for MPJ’s development, as they are high stake games that could affect Alanta’s playoff positioning. It seems unfair to be thrust into such an urgent situation so quickly but this experience will definitely sharpen him for the better.
McCarthy Comes Back After All?
Earlier this year I wrote Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy being fired before the season ends; but things have taken an ironic plot twist. Quite a few morning pundits believe there is sentiment that the Cowboys will bring back McCarthy despite being eliminated from playoff contention. If they brought him back, It would be under the sentiment that the team dealing with multiple injuries on both sides of the ball. Not to mention, the team has been playing extra hard around this time, including a 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just hours after learning Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury while Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons missed a few games because of injury as well. Without 2 of your top players, you’re obviously going to struggle. In McCarthy’s first season with the Cowboys, he went 6-10 after losing Prescott for that year to injury; but each year after that, he finished 12-5. The biggest strike against him is his playoff record with Dallas. He’s only won one playoff game. If the Cowboys organization is serious about wanting to make a deeper playoff run and winning a title, they might consider getting rid of McCarthy or could probably add some better pieces through free agency. And judging by the past few seasons, it seems more likely they will take a chance on McCarthy
Shoutouts/Shutouts
Shout out to Washington Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels for a real last minute gift. Sunday, Daniels led his team to a win over the Philadelphia Eaglesa by throwing a touchdown to Commanders wide receiver Jamison crowder with just 10 seconds left. It was the main highlight after a day in which Daniels threw for 5 touchdowns despite the Commanders having 5 turnovers.
Shut out to late season ending injuries. Saturday, against the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a season ending injury that included a dislocated knee cap and torn ACL. Last season, Dell ended his season early with an ankle injury. This year he was trying to get back on track and unfortunately will have another offseason of rehab. Thoughts and prayers to Dell for a full recovery.
Week 17 is here a little bit quicker than most. The NFL kicks off on Wednesday, Christmas Day, with a doubleheader on Netflix. The big game from that slate will be the Houston Texan hosting the Baltimore Ravens. It’s a rematch of last season’s divisional round and there’s also a Beyonce performance at halftime; so a win for the whole household. The game of the week will be between the Atlanta Falcon visiting the Washington Commanders. Not only are both teams fighting for a playoff spot, but will also showcase an intriguing matchup between 2 rookie QB’s. While Falcons QB MPJ just got the job, a lot of eyes across the country may be catching up on Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels. But until then…I’ll holla.
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