Falcons could be repeating last year's mistake with preseason QB plan

The Atlanta Falcons apparently didn't learn from last season.

On Monday, head coach Raheem Morris told NFL Network that the Falcons' top two quarterbacks, starter Michael Penix Jr. and backup Kirk Cousins, won't play in the team's preseason opener this Friday against the Detroit Lions.

The team's cautious approach with quarterbacks is not dissimilar to the strategy Morris used last preseason. But after going 8-9 a season ago, the franchise's seventh consecutive losing season, one would think the Falcons would be more receptive to change.

Cousins, who entered the 2024 season as the team's starter, didn't take a snap last preseason, while Penix only played the first five series of Atlanta's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. 

From Weeks 1-4, the Falcons went 2-2, averaging 18.8 points per game. For the season, they averaged 22.9 points per game.

It's a bit odd that Morris continues treating Penix Jr. like a seasoned, multi-year veteran instead of a mostly unproven quarterback who could use all the reps he can get, which he actually is.

He started the final three games of the regular season and finished the season 61-of-105 (58.1%) for 775 yards (7.4 yards per attempt), three touchdowns and three interceptions. 

The Falcons can't afford a slow start to the regular season. They open with a pivotal NFC South showdown against the four-time defending division champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by a primetime road game against the Minnesota Vikings, who could have one of the league's best defenses, in Week 2. 

Atlanta also plays the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills within the season's first five weeks.

The Falcons need to be firing on all cylinders out of the gate offensively, and it's possible they can even with minimal preseason reps. However, based on last year's results, it's just as likely the strategy results in rust.