Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images We constantly see some sloppiness and corrosion in Week 1 of the regular season, especially because the NFL reduced the preseason to 3 games. But what we saw from expensive freelance quarterback Kirk Cousins in his very first video game back at work post-Achilles recovery was more worrying than just sloppiness and rust. Couple that with the reality that the Falcons have this year's No. 8 total pick, Michael Penix Jr Dermontti Dawson Shirt. , totally healthy and balanced on the sideline, and it naturally increases questions about whether we could see Penix at some point this season. Right here's what we assume, and you can share your takes in the remarks. Fingers went across Kirk rips off the corrosion, due to the fact that he's the starterThis may not be what you intend to listen to.. and I think Matt made some truly solid arguments for beginning Michael Penix. However unless Cousins endures a setback considerable sufficient to show up on the injury report, I just do not see the group benching their $180 million man. Relatives has been most efficient under facility throughout his job, and having Cousins under center was not a part of the tactical plan on Sunday. Yet Cousins did take some under-center snaps in Thursday's technique, so hopefully that's a signal that the group is mosting likely to deploy him in such a way that makes good sense with his capability against the Eagles. Relatives claimed Thursday that he has actually additionally altered his stance in the pistol, which may require time to obtain used to. A split Achilles is a real obstacle to come back from-- not just literally, however additionally psychologically. Wherefore it deserves, Cousins urged while consulting with the media in Flowery Branch on Thursday that he fits available both literally and emotionally. But there's no rejecting that he did not look at all comfortable on Sunday. I assume some of what we saw from Cousins on Sunday against the Steelers was corrosion, several of it was simply TJ Watt being outrageously great, and I think some of it was the psychological difficulty of full-speed video game action for the initial time for Relatives post-injury. If I'm right cross your fingers, toes, and possibly even your own Achilles tendons), points could look unsteady for a number of weeks but I 'd anticipate Cousins and the group to hit their stride by Week 4 at the current, and there's still a lot of period left at that point. - Jeanna KelleyWhy is a damaged Kirk Cousins starting when Michael Penix is healthy?Another year and an additional time Falcons followers are getting complex, inconsistent information on its quarterback. Raheem Morris, with a straight face, said that Kirk Cousins is healthy and balanced. If that holds true, Zac Robinson created a historically poor offensive tactical plan. Reasonably, I believe the strategy was created as a result of Cousins' current wellness. Relatives had not been prepared to play on Sunday and would certainly be unlikely to play well this upcoming Monday, if that's the case. I can understand rolling with Cousins if Desmond Ridder was resting on the bench. Probably Morris believes Relatives is actual near being complete rate, yet why not get your quarterback-of-the-future some crucial breaks while your veteran recovers up? I do not see the risk if Cousins can not throw the round greater than a loads lawns Falcons are currently facing a worst-case circumstance of losing winnable games early in a critical season. Turning to Penix has that same threat, but with any luck with the benefit of giving him some pro experience while allowing Relatives get healthy. Morris isn't ready to at least publicly acknowledge Relatives isn't healthy and balanced, Whether Morris introduces it or not, he needs to start Penix on Monday. -- Matt ChambersMichael Penix o'clock is not around the cornerThe Zac Robinson-Kirk Relatives marriage is off to a rough begin. The Falcons scored ten points, Relatives looked tentative and rusty, and Robinson essentially stood up a large indicator that said RUN or PASS with the plays he called and the developments the team used. A horrible initial game naturally kicked up inquiries right here, there, and almost everywhere regarding Relatives' health, Robinson's physical fitness to collaborate, and the overall state of the it was simply one video game. Michael Penix is the quarterback of the future, but I do not believe any individual thinks the Falcons want that future to start right now. In their Thursday pressers, Cousins and Robinson both emphasized that the hefty usage of gun and shotgun was not due to Relatives' wellness, which the quarterback urged is fine. Taking them at their word, this was a rustic efficiency not aided by a new playcaller's battles. If you question those words, the Falcons undoubtedly believe Cousins is only going to obtain healthier while Robinson improves. It would certainly take one more injury or the season-derailing awkwardness we saw from Cousins and Robinson in Week 1 over several weeks to see Penix, and also then the Falcons may be reluctant to transform to him in what would certainly at that point be a lost year. If we saw Penix prior to 2026 or maybe 2025, something has actually gone a lot more) wrong. -- Dave ChoateIs it unusual that I feel apathetic either way?Look, Sunday was horrible. I obtain it, however if I'm being sincere, I haven't offered much thought to the concept of changing to Michael Penix yet. This is largely because I see week one's failures as mainly coaching ones. I was completely planned for Kirk Cousins to find out and look poor, offered the new infraction, significant injury, challenging protection, etc. If we're being truthful, a much more shocking result would certainly've been him tossing for 300 backyards and three goals. Zac Robinson's offense, on the various other hand, was something nobody expected, like a Bobby Petrino laminated note. Currently that I have actually had to discover the concept of a quarterback controversy, I do not hold solid feelings one means or the 's an exceptional chance I might be incorrect, and Relative is cooked. Zac Robinson could call a video game customized around play action like many hope, and the quarterback's execution could fail, whether because of physical or psychological constraints continues to be to be seen. If that occurs, we reach see some Penix. What's incorrect with that said? This organization was constructed on young quarterbacks nabbing the hearts of the professionals in advance of them on the deepness chart. While I would certainly such as Cousins to exercise so that we can validate his contract and have a great shot at making some kind of winning pursue this tough opening slate, I do not assume Penix reduces this team's floor substantially. Penix has exceptional physical features whether Relatives is 100% healthy and balanced or otherwise. He doesn't possess the expert experience and deepness of expertise Cousins does, however that's not an exact indicator of whether or not Penix can do well. This would definitely accelerate the group's timeline for him, yet I don't see that as a factor to panic. I personally don't put much supply into quarterbacks resting video games; results show that it's a crap shoot, and scenarios matter. Before we are successful of ourselves, however, if Kirk is healthy, we're great as long as one more newbie can be successful in their role. Get in new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson. If Robinson can not boost, then whether Cousins is healthy and balanced or not doesn't matter. The team would also remain in problem of Robinson being a barrier in Penix's advancement. The young coordinator's progression has long-lasting ramifications for this franchise business, making the idea of who's under facility inconsequential until he improves. -- Tre'Shon Diaz In This Stream Falcons - Steelers Week 1 insurance coverage The Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix problem: A Falcoholic conversation Kirk Cousins, Zac Robinson resolved the state of the Falcons infraction Thursday Sight all 49 stories