Michael Strahan gives hard truth to Kirk Cousins after rookie Michael Penix shines in first Falcons start

The Atlanta Falcons they have taken over first place in the NFC South race that will take place in the final two weeks of the regular season.

However, the quarterback who helped beat the New York Giants on Sunday was not Kirk Cousins – the $180 million man they signed to a four-year contract this offseason.

It was Michael Penix Jr., a new first-round pick. Many were shocked when the Falcons called his name because they signed veteran Cousins ​​a month ago.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS REPORTS ON FOXNEWS.COM

Cousins’ play has been off lately, however, and one NFL Hall of Famer was outspoken in his assessment this year after Penix looked good in his first NFL start.

“Constantly mediocre. That’s what Kirk has been this year,” Giants great Michael Strahan said, via Daily Mail. “Whenever you’re a great player in your mind, you’re still a great player. But sometimes your skill level diminishes and declines.

“You don’t know when it’s going to happen, it can happen at any point in the season. I think for Kirk Cousins ​​it happened now.”

FALCONS EXPECTED TO LET KIRK COUSINS GO AFTER JUST ONE SEASON AFTER NICE PLAY: REPORT

The Falcons were 7-7 under Cousins, but head coach Raheem Morris made the change after Atlanta saw more of the offensive offense in recent weeks with Cousins ​​under center in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

But the 36-year-old, who is coming off a torn Achilles from the 2023 season with Minnesota Vikingswas part of four straight losses before that 15-9 win over the Raiders. In that span, Cousins ​​didn’t throw a single touchdown and had eight interceptions.

So after just one touchdown and another interception, Morris made the switch despite the Falcons being in such a tight playoff race.

There were no touchdown passes in Penix’s debut, but he was quick in his decision-making and timely with the ball to his receivers as he threw for 202 yards on 18-of-27 passing through the air. He also had an interception on his stat sheet, though tight end Kyle Pitts juggled a pass near the goal line that was ultimately deflected.

With Penix taking the reins, Strahan believes Cousins ​​needs to play a mentor role.

“Keep him around, let him teach Michael Penix the ins and outs of the game,” Strahan said. “It’s good to have that veteran influence, but I think Kirk just has to humble himself to realize that’s his role now.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

There have been reports that the Falcons could waive Cousins ​​before March to avoid the remaining years on his contract, even though $100 million was guaranteed upon signing earlier this year.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports broadcast on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.