With Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. out for at least four games after being put on IR yesterday, Atlanta’s starting quarterback job now belongs to Kirk Cousins again, and even though it may seem like Kirk being the starter would limit the offense earlier today The Morning Shift explained why Cousins starting gives Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson a chance to open up his playbook.
“Kirk Cousins being able to go under center opens up things. It gives you a lot more of a playbook other than just pistol.” Beau Morgan said.
Kirk worked under center a good bit on Sunday once he came for an injured Michael Penix Jr., and Mike Johnson mentioned how Atlanta’s veteran backup quarterback being able to play under center could help the Falcons offensive line be better in their wide zone blocking, and help the Falcons be more effective in their play action passing game.
“Just in terms of a shear functionality I think it probably helps the line just a little bit going under center running the wide zone, and I think if you can pull it off, and if they plan on pulling it off, the play-action becomes 10 times more believable like when you look at the defense and their reaction when you’re under center versus when Michael Penix is literally just turning in a circle out of the pistol. You can attack the ball as a running back, and you can turn your back to the defense as a quarterback.” Mike Johnson said
Last season Kirk Cousins did lead this team to a 6-3 record, and had the Falcons atop the NFC South before he got hurt in New Orleans and the wheels started falling off the wagon.
Sunday Kirk will be back in New Orleans fully healthy and motivated to show not only the Falcons but every other team in the NFL that he still deserves to be a starting quarterback in the league, so maybe just maybe he can help the Falcons end their five game losing streak, help them get their first division win of the season in the home of their most hated rival, and lead them out of their 3-7 hole.