The Atlanta Falcons have made a quarterback change, benching Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta wide receiver Drake London spoke on the change and what that means for him going forward.
. They also drafted Penix Jr. No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The passing of the guard was always the plan, just not this early.
The Falcons once sat at 6-3 with a 4-0 record in the NFC South division. They’re now 7-7 and on the outside looking in on the playoff race. The drastic falloff in quarterback play from Cousins is a large reason why and ultimately what led to the change. Atlanta wide receiver Drake London might be the biggest benefactor of the change and London didn’t mince his words when sharing what he thought about the decision.“I don’t take QB changes in any way.
London was near the top of every receiving category before the dip in production that coincided with Cousins' downturn. London is still on pace to have a career-best season with 78 receptions, 919 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. However, the big-bodied receiver hasn’t fully been unleashed to the maximum of his skillset, and the potential with Penix Jr. to unlock that is an exciting thought.
Penix put up extraordinary numbers with the Washington Huskies alongside fellow first-round draft pick wide receiver Rome Odunze, now a member of the Chicago Bears. London and Odunze have similar frames and athletic abilities and are both great at the catch point and vertically. Penix Jr. will be making his first NFL start, but having a player like London to play comfortable style is a bonus.“I don’t take QB changes in any way…how I look at is ‘just catch the ball’.
The Falcons take on the 2-12 New York Giants next with their playoff hopes still intact. The new connection between London and Penix could be the spark needed to get Atlanta back on track.MORE: Georgia Bulldogs, Florida Gators Targeting Transfer Portal Receiver Zachariah BranchKyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Atlanta Falcons Injury Report Brings Good News on Darnell Mooney, Drake LondonThe Atlanta Falcons saw positive strides Thursday from receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney before Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Read more »
Falcons vs Raiders Predictions and Picks for MNF: Drake London Makes Most of Soft MatchupKirk Cousins may be struggling heading into Week 15, but it hasn't hurt Drake London's productivity of late. Our NFL betting picks think London will take the Raiders to task on Monday night.
Read more »
Atlanta Falcons to 'Ignore the Noise' on Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. QB SwapAtlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris discussed handling outside noise amid calls for Michael Penix Jr. to replace Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback.
Read more »
Atlanta Falcons Provide Cover for Struggling Kirk CousinsAtlanta Falcons coaches are coming to the defense of struggling quarterback Kirk Cousins amidst a three-game-losing streak.
Read more »
How Atlanta Falcons, Kirk Cousins can Attack Minnesota Vikings DefenseThe Minnesota Vikings are a high-risk / high-reward type of defense. Can the Atlanta Falcons break out of their slump against Brian Flores's unit?
Read more »
NFL Insider: Atlanta Falcons 'In Love' with Penix, QB Change 'Something to Watch'As starting quarterback Kirk Cousins struggles, the Atlanta Falcons are receiving external pressure to consider a switch to rookie first-rounder Michael Penix.
Read more »