Photo: Ethan Miller
Rob Parker and Ephraim Salaam react to the Atlanta Falcons benching Kirk Cousins for rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. They debate whether the move was smart or if the Falcons waited too long. Rob, frustrated, feels the timing doesn’t make sense, especially since the falcons are in playoff contention and Cousins had just won a game after a rough stretch. Ephraim argues that while the Falcons are still in playoff contention, teams often identify games where young players have a better chance to succeed, like the upcoming home game against the Giants! Tune in below to hear the full debate!
Rob Parker:
“This doesn’t make sense! If you had benched Kirk Cousins three weeks ago, I would have understood, especially when he had no touchdowns and 8 interceptions over a four-week stretch... HE JUST WON THE GAME. I’m not even a big Kirk Cousins fan, but this timing doesn’t make sense!”
Ephraim Salaam:
“From that perspective, it doesn’t make sense because you’re still competing to win the division, and a playoff berth is at risk. But here’s what I do know: when you have young players, especially high draft picks, as the season goes on, you start looking at your schedule and circling games where you believe that young player has a better chance of succeeding. If you’re looking at your schedule now, a home game against the Giants stands out!”