Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is 'our guy,' says coach Raheem Morris amid Kirk Cousins questions

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is firmly squashing any talk that Kirk Cousins could take over as quarterback for Michael Penix Jr. 

The possibility arose when Cousins came in for Penix late in the Falcons' 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. When he was benched, Penix had thrown two interceptions while completing 18-of-36 passes for 172 yards. Cousins threw for 29 yards on 5-for-7 passing. 

When asked if Cousins could be considered as the starting QB after the game, Morris definitively answered "No." The change was only made because the game was "out of hand." 

The coach repeated that sentiment to reporters on Wednesday. 

"We're not even close to that with Mike. He had a bad day. We had a bad day," Morris said, via reporter Terrin Waack. "Mike is our quarterback. We got a lot of confidence in Mike. We're moving forward with Mike. Mike's the guy."

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Cousins' appearance could also serve as an audition for any NFL team looking for help due to quarterback injuries, including the Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders and New York Jets. However, leading up to Week 3's slate, no team had reportedly contacted the Falcons to show any interest in the 14-year veteran. 

A major reason for that might be that Cousins' isn't being paid like a backup QB. He's in the second year of a four-year, $180 million contract that ranks him among the NFL's top 15 at the position. Atlanta is reportedly asking for any trade partner to take on most of that contract, along with a high draft pick in exchange. 

Cousins was also benched in favor of Penix last season because he wasn't playing well. He threw a league-leading 16 interceptions, despite compiling 3.508 passing yards. That performance raised concerns that he could no longer be an effective NFL quarterback after recovering from a torn Achilles injury. 

Yet Penix has struggled in his first three games this season, as well. He's completed 59% of his passes with one touchdown and two interceptions, while averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. If that continues, so will the questions about whether or not Cousins could get the starting job back.