43 days! Yes, that’s all it took for the Falcons to ‘audible’ from a seasoned vet to a rookie quarterback. After signing Kirk Cousins in free agency, Atlanta wanted more. So, they used their first-round pick (No. 8) to draft University of Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. Talk about a shocker! But Cousins is as unfazed as a veteran QB in the pocket. Instead of feeling the heat, he’s embracing the move as he shares a more than a decade-old incident.

Speaking on The Athletic’s podcast Scoop City, on the 30th of July, ex-Viking Cousins reflected on Penix’s move to Atlanta. When senior reporter Dianna Russini asked him how he felt about the Falcons possibly swooping in for another QB, Kirk was ready to throw a touchdown answer. Without missing a beat, he said, “It reminded me of 2012 when I was drafted, I was a 4th-round pick. I was a nobody. I was pick 102.” Cousins, who balled out for the Michigan State Spartans, was selected by Washington in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. That memory came rushing back like a blitzing linebacker.

Cousins added, “One of the main storylines of the 2012 draft was that Washington took a quarterback [Kirk] after taking a quarterback [Robert Griffin III].” He highlighted how wild it was to be “that” fourth-round pick. A rookie QB with everyone asking, “Why are you here?” He compares that to now, as the Falcons drafted Penix after signing Cousins. He said, “It’s a similar dynamic now. Drafting a quarterback in a way that surprised people.” Surprised, it did!

Kirk Cousins has weathered his rookie storm. And, now, wants to make sure Penix doesn’t get caught in the same downpour. Who can blame him? But the timing of this move is a bit like throwing a screen pass on 3rd-and-long. Why?

Let’s not forget who the Falcons just scooped up. A four-time Pro Bowler who’s ranked fifth all-time in completion percentage with at least 1,500 pass attempts and eighth in career passer rating. That’s a serious stat sheet!

Even Kirk’s wife, Julie, scratched her head over Penix’s drafting. He shared on the podcast, “She was certainly surprised.” And it’s no wonder- many fans are asking, “Why Penix?” That too, after the Falcons just signed Cousins to a deal that ranks him among the top 10 highest-paid QBs. There’s more strategy here than a two-minute drill.

Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. make the Falcons GM’s dream come true

In hindsight, the Falcons’ decision to double down on quarterbacks is as clear as a clean pass in the end zone, according to GM Terry Fontenot. With Kirk Cousins at the helm and Michael Penix waiting in the wings, Fontenot plays chess while others stick to checkers.

“If (Penix) sits for four or five years, that’s a great problem to have because we’re doing so well at that position,” The Falcons’ GM said as reported by The Athletic. “It’s as simple as, if you see a guy at that position you believe in, you have to take him.” Fontenot further added, “If you’d told me in January we’d have Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix. I’d have thought it was a pipe dream.” Turns out, the Falcons are dreaming big and setting up a quarterback one-two punch that could light up the scoreboard for years to come!

But there’s another logic behind the move. And you might feel aligned with this reasoning more. Cousins, who’ll be 36 at the start of the 2024 season, is no spring chicken. On top of that, we know that he is returning from a mid-season Achilles tear that ended his 2023 season. Achilles injuries are no joke, no matter the age. Hence, the Falcons are planning for the future. Prepping Penix to grab the baton when Cousins is ready to pass it.

Could this bold move by the Falcons turn out to be the game-changer they’re hoping for? Only time will tell if this quarterback strategy pays off or falls short of the end zone.