Kirk Cousins is in a slump, which directly correlates to the Atlanta Falcons three-game skid.
Cousins has struggled the last three weeks, leading to murmurs of first round quarterback Michael Penix Jr., potentially taking the reigns.
The Falcons are 6-6 after dropping three straight, with the spotlight being on Cousins’ struggles.
Most notably, his four interception game against the Los Angeles Chargers, in a game that was extremely winnable.
If Penix Jr. does eventually get the nod, then the Falcons feel pretty good about themselves.
Or at least one player in particular does.
Star safety Justin Simmons told talkSport in an exclusive interview how impressed he has been since Penix Jr. arrived in Atlanta.
“Mike’s great,” Simmons said.
“I remember getting in here towards the latter part of training camp and just watching him go up against the first team defense and his progression and the way that he threw the ball.
“There’s a lot of things that are impressive about him. Obviously, that’s why he went in the first round. He was a top pick.
“There’s not enough good things I can say about him. So yeah, Mike’s been awesome, man.
“Even getting to go up against him in practice throughout the weeks on scout team and things like that.
Simmons mentioned how Penix Jr. has been able to really test their first-team defense in practice and how he doesn’t feel like a first-year player.
“He really challenges us at the safety position to make sure, we’re doing every little thing the right way or he’ll shred the defense.
“It’s great getting to go up against him because at times, it doesn’t feel like you’re going up against a rookie.
“That’s a lot of credit to him.”
While Simmons has confidence in Penix Jr. if he takes over as QB1, head coach Raheem Morris doesn’t envision that to be the case anytime soon.
He was asked after Cousins’ four interception game if a change behind center could be made.
“I don’t think that’s going to be the issue around here,” Morris said.
“That guy’s carried us. That guy’s got us to the point where we’re 6-6, first place in the division. Still got everything in front of us, despite what happened today.
“It’s up to us to bounce back and find a way to win football games, and there’s no better man than 18 to do that for us.”
It’s a ringing endorsement from the head coach, but what happens if three losses in a row becomes four? Five?
There’s a reason the Falcons selected Penix with the eighth overall pick.
He’s waiting in the wings, and according to Simmons, he’s ready.
