Falcons key weapon makes major statement on QB1 battle between Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.

One of the clear weak points for the Atlanta Falcons last NFL season was the quarterback position. While many had high hopes for what veteran Kirk Cousins could bring to the team, that expectation ultimately fell short. As a result, the idea of Michael Penix Jr. starting in Week 1 no longer seems far-fetched.

At least that’s what Ray-Ray McCloud suggests—one of the offensive weapons Raheem Morris has at his disposal. The former Clemson standout, who brings valuable experience to the league, made a notable statement regarding the situation.

“I’m excited, and I’m not gonna be surprised by any of it,” he told Pro Football Network recently. “I’ve watched [Penix] every day for the last year at practice, and I’m just ready to see him go into an experienced year, a polished year, and see how it goes — go all the way to the Super Bowl.”

While teams across the league are just beginning to show their first signs of movement, the veteran wide receiver already believes that one of his teammates has everything it takes to hoist a Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on behind quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during OTA offseason workouts at the Atlanta Falcons training facility on May 14, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia.

A crucial decision for Raheem Morris

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris faces a pivotal choice at quarterback. Veteran Kirk Cousins, brought in with significant investment, struggled to demonstrate his renowned experience during the past season. This has created a complex situation as the team evaluates its path forward under center.

see also

Justin Simmons throws subtle jab at Falcons with insight into next team priorities

In contrast, Michael Penix Jr. offered a glimpse into the future. Across five appearances last season, he amassed 775 passing yards, complemented by three touchdowns against three interceptions. While these numbers are modest, they represent a developing talent who provided flashes of potential within a limited sample size.

Morris’s decision carries immense weight for the Falcons‘ trajectory. Will he lean on Cousins’ proven, albeit recently inconsistent, track record, or fully commit to Penix Jr.’s raw ability, hoping his youthful talent can rapidly evolve into a franchise cornerstone? The upcoming training camp and preseason will be critical in shaping the final depth chart.

Early challenges for the Falcons

With their main goal being to improve on last season’s campaign—and still without an official announcement on who will start at quarterback—these are the first five matchups the Falcons will face in the upcoming NFL season:

• vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, September 7th
• @ Minnesota Vikings, September 14th – U.S. Bank Stadium
• @ Carolina Panthers, September 21st – Bank of America Stadium
• vs Washington Commanders, September 28th
• Bye Week