The Atlanta Falcons fell to 0-2 in the preseason after a 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. While preseason results aren’t important, a key coaching decision for the Falcons sparked some questions.
The Falcons’ prized free agent acquisition, Kirk Cousins, is not expected to play in the three exhibition games, leading some to believe that could open up significant playing time to rookie quarterback Michael Pennis Jr.
But Pennis, the No. 8 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, didn’t take a single snap in Baltimore on Saturday.
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Michael Pennis Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rich Story/Getty Images)
Taylor Heinicke started against the Ravens before being replaced by John Paddock, and after the game, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was asked about the decision to bench the rookie.
“That was it. We just wanted to get him out there last week and see what he feels like in a real game. We already knew that,” Morris said. Falcons official website.
Morris was referring to Penn’s performance in Week 1 of the preseason against the Miami Dolphins, saying the coaching staff thought they “saw enough” of the rookie point guard last week and wanted to “mitigate” the risk of injury.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rich Story/Getty Images)
“We wanted to see him answer questions, have discussions on the sideline, go out there and execute, make mistakes and know what to do. … We saw plenty of game-play from Michael Pennis last week, and now we have a chance to ease him in and have him do a lot of game-play in practice, doing everything he does in a game except get hit.”
Pennis finished last week with 104 passing yards.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Pennis Jr. aims for a pass during practice at the Atlanta Falcons’ training grounds on May 14, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Falcons’ decision to hold Penix out of preseason games comes just days after the Minnesota Vikings announced that J.J. McCarthy would undergo season-ending surgery. McCarthy played in the Vikings’ preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders last week.
The Falcons shocked the NFL with their surprising decision to use a top-10 draft pick on a quarterback shortly after signing Cousins to a four-year contract, a move that Cousins initially seemed surprised by.
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During NFL Network’s draft coverage, Daniel Jeremiah said he had contacted Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, who represents the four-time Pro Bowl selection. According to Jeremiah, McCartney suggested the Falcons’ front office “didn’t give Cousins advance notice” of their draft plans.
“Kirk Cousins had no prior knowledge of this matter.” Jeremiah said.
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