Arthur Blank and the Falcons are playing checkers instead of chess
As the saying goes, once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern. What the Falcons are getting from Kirk Cousins is a pattern and, at the very least, warrants conversations in Flowery Branch about making Michael Penix Jr. the starting quarterback, but that won’t happen because of Arthur Blank. … Arthur Blank and the Falcons are playing checkers instead of chess Read More » The post Arthur Blank and the Falcons are playing checkers instead of chess appeared first on SportsTalkATL.com.
As the saying goes, once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern. What the Falcons are getting from Kirk Cousins is a pattern and, at the very least, warrants conversations in Flowery Branch about making Michael Penix Jr. the starting quarterback, but that won’t happen because of Arthur Blank.
The club seems perfectly content just winning a weak division en route to a one-and-done postseason appearance. In fact, I’d argue Blank isn’t just content; he’s interested in that scenario more so than building a legitimate contender. What I mean is the Falcons aren’t going to win a Super Bowl this season, and I think Raheem Morris would admit as much if forced to tell the truth.
So, if that’s the case, what the hell is the goal for this season? In my estimation, it’s to placate Arthur Blank’s desperate need to return to the playoffs, a drought that began in 2018. That is undoubtedly an organization playing checkers instead of chess.
Even the optimistic fan couldn’t be convinced the Falcons can win a Super Bowl with Kirk Cousins. I’d argue that they’re more likely to miss the postseason entirely than to make an actual run at the Lombardi Trophy. If that’s true, the goal should be to try to develop Michael Penix as fast as possible.
The club isn’t moving with one sole purpose, which should always be towards becoming real contenders. Arthur Blank’s desire to be good rather than great will be the ultimate downfall of this organization.
On another note, I can’t be convinced that Penix, who has had as much college experience as just about any rookie quarterback, cannot give you the same level of production as Jayden Daniels or Bo Nix. The offensive lines are comparable, and Atlanta’s weapons are superior to Washington’s and Denver’s.
Michael Penix is 24 years old and has had rave reviews out of Flowery Branch, and the rest of the Falcon’s schedule is against the Raiders, Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. If Kirk Cousins falls on his face in Minnesota this week, that’s a sweet setup for a rookie signal caller.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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