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There’s no hard feelings between Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and rookie signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. after the team benched the former player for the latter on Tuesday.
In fact, Penix told reporters at a Wednesday press conference that he looks up to Cousins, who he says can “do no wrong,” per ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.
Marc Raimondi @marcraimondi
Penix: I look up to Kirk. To be honest, Kirk couldn’t do no wrong in my eyes. #Falcons
The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in March before adding Penix with the No. 8 overall draft pick one month later. So it’s been an interesting situation to say the least, but it’s clear the two get along well. In addition, Penix noted what he’s learned from Cousins during their time in Atlanta.
Marc Raimondi @marcraimondi
Penix on what he learned from Cousins: The way he processes, the way he speaks to the team. The command he has to the offense. … The things he says in the huddle. #Falcons
Cousins spoke with reporters earlier in the day, noting his chat with Penix after the switch (h/t Reggie Chatman of 11Alive News).
Reggie Chatman Jr. @ReggieChatman
Kirk Cousins said he called Michael Penix Jr. after being told he was being benched.
Here is Kirk on how he will support him and his response to @Ria_Martin on why decided to call Penix.
“I like to shoot elephants in the room, so I just wanted to shoot one” #DirtyBirds pic.twitter.com/jAJAKVednl
Cousins also said Penix was “great” and that he’s “ready to get to work and play well.” When asked about how he’ll support Penix, the 13-year veteran said the change-up doesn’t alter the quarterback room’s preparations so much because they’re always working together throughout the week anyway.
This is a monumental moment for Penix, who takes over a 7-7 Falcons team sitting one game behind the 8-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first in the NFC South with three matchups to go.
Penix was asked about the moment he found out he’d be the starter (h/t Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
Ken Sugiura @ksugiuraajc
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. explains how he found out he was being elevated into the starting lineup. He was shopping for groceries at Costco with his girlfriend. pic.twitter.com/c8FNSdPOEu
Penix added that he was getting a hot dog, but the hunger pangs went away when he heard he’d be QB1, per Mary Alex Anders of Fox 5 Sports.
Mary Alex Anders- Fox 5 Sports @maryalexanders_
So turns out, Michael Penix Jr. found out he would be #Falcons QB1 while getting a hotdog at @Costco with his girlfriend 😂🌭@FOX5Sports @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/mZ5G2ScAQ7
Penix and the Falcons will kick off against the New York Giants at home on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.