A 2024 NFL Draft pick every team already regrets, and why

Yes, it's Michael Penix again, but this time we're talking about the strange way the Atlanta Falcons have handled this situation since the draft. When they selected Michael Penix eighth overall despite giving all the money to Kirk Cousins, that was the shock of the draft. No one even paid attention to Bo Nix going to the Denver Broncos a round early because everyone was still shocked by the Falcons' pick.

The Falcons only allowed Penix 16 attempts this preseason. He finished with just over 100 yards. And then the Falcons cut him like he was a starter. They said he doesn't need another preseason game and will focus on his backup duties. So the guy they picked in the top 10 is expected to sit not only the entire season, but most of the preseason as well. Are they acting like practice reps are the same as game reps, even if they are preseason game reps?

Some assumed the Falcons were trying to temper expectations or perhaps over-present themselves and pressure Atlanta's coaching staff to make a change if Cousins ​​got off to a slow start. Cousins ​​is clearly still feeling the effects of last season's torn Achilles tendon. His mobility is limited. So adding an incredibly dynamic player could lead to conversations that no one wants to respond to.

But what a strange way to deal with the squad. If that's the case, don't the Falcons want to show off what weapons they have? If Penix is ​​the better quarterback, he should play. It's that simple. But that's exactly why it's a mess. It's still a mess and we don't expect it to get any cleaner any time soon.