Kirk ͏Cousin͏s joined the Atl͏anta͏ Falcon͏s this s͏eason with big expec͏tations aft͏er ͏signing͏ a four-year, $1͏80 million deal. The 36-ye͏ar-old ve͏t͏e͏ra͏n͏ was su͏pposed to bring stab͏ili͏ty and precision͏ ͏to Atlant͏a’s offense,͏ wh͏ich ha͏d the weapons to make n͏oise in the NFC Sou͏th. Ea͏rly on, t͏hings͏ looked promising as Cousi͏ns tossed at least͏ three touch͏downs͏ in three of h͏is first nin͏e ga͏mes. But lately, the Falcons’ season has hit a͏ rou͏gh patch, and Cous͏i͏ns͏’ per͏f͏ormances ͏h͏ave ͏come ͏u͏nder͏ he͏av͏y scrutiny. ͏At 6-6, Atlanta is clingin͏g to a precar͏io͏us NF͏C ͏South l͏e͏ad, ͏and the road͏ a͏head is only͏ get͏ting ͏bumpi͏e͏r.

Sunday’s 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers might just be the boiling point for frustrated Falcons fans. Cousins threw four interceptions, including a backbreaking pick-six to Tarheeb Still in the third quarter. ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler called the game a turning point, writing, “The next six games could determine a lot about Cousins’ future.” With the playoffs in sight, Atlanta desperately needed this win, but Cousins’ erratic throws squandered key opportunities.

Even with Bijan Robinson finding the end zone early and the defense holding Justin Herbert to just 147 passing yards, the Falcons couldn’t capitalize. Cousins’ second-half mistakes proved costly, as his third interception came right after the defense stopped a Chargers’ fake punt attempt. “When you get chances like that, you have to convert,” Fowler noted.

Cousins’ struggles weren’t limited to this game. Over the last three matchups, he’s failed to throw a single touchdown pass. ESPN’s Dan Graziano hinted at bigger questions looming for the Falcons, writing, “With Michael Penix Jr. waiting in the wings, could Atlanta move on from Cousins if things don’t improve?” The pressure is mounting, and the Falcons’ faith in their veteran quarterback seems to be wavering.

With a tough schedule ahead, including a trip to Minnesota next week, Atlanta’s playoff hopes are on shaky ground. The Falcons need a spark, and Cousins needs to find his groove fast, or it might be time for the Falcons to look toward their rookie, Penix, for answers.

Falcons fans demand Kirk Cousins benching as calls grow for Michael Penix Jr. to take over

The calls for change are growing louder in Atlanta, and they’re all aimed at one man: Kirk Cousins. The frustration boiled over after a string of underwhelming performances, with fans flooding social media demanding the veteran QB take a seat. “Man, get Kirk Cousins to the bench!!!” one fan exclaimed, capturing the collective sentiment of the Falcons’ fanbase.

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert added fuel to the fire, joining the chorus of voices calling for a switch. “Man, make it stop. Give us Penix Jr. If Bo Nix can do it in Denver, Penix can do it with all these weapons in Atlanta,” he tweeted, sparking even more debate. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was the Falcons’ No. 8 pick in the draft, is waiting in the wings, and fans are eager to see what he can do with the starting offense.

The sentiment was echoed by others, with one fan passionately writing, “Bench Kirk Cousins immediately!” The cries for change reflect the belief that Penix might offer the spark Cousins seems to be lacking. While Penix hasn’t played much outside of late-game blowout appearances, his preseason flashes have kept the fans intrigued.

Another fan chimed in, “It’s time to bench Kirk Cousins?” And they might have a point. Penix’s preseason debut showed promise — two scoring drives and 104 yards in limited action. While the rookie himself says, “It’s just football,” fans seem convinced that he’s the fresh start Atlanta needs.

As frustration mounts, one thing is clear- Falcons fans are ready for a shake-up under center. Whether the team makes the switch remains to be seen, but the pressure is on.