FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kyle Pitts was "a bit surprised" after someone sent him the news on Instagram that Michael Penix Jr. would be replacing Kirk Cousins as the Falcons' starting quarterback.
"I didn't think it would have happened this early or now," Pitts said. "Also, I just work here, so I'm not really tuned into those decisions."
Once the shock wore off, appreciation for Cousins set in around the locker room.
Offensive tackle Jake Matthews is well into his 11th year in the league. Cousins is in his 13th season. It's no surprise then, that when Cousins signed with Atlanta in the offseason he developed a kinship with Matthews. In a locker room filled with younger teammates, Matthews' experience allows him a different perspective.
"We've both been around for a while; it's hard to come up with something to say in a time like this," Matthews said. "All I can really say is I support the guy. I love the guy, everything he stood for and done for us this year. We just got to find a way to win. It's the nature of being a professional. We're going to have Penix in there this week, and we got to get it done."
Safety Justin Simmons first reflected on himself and his unit when he heard the news. Was there anything the defense could have done better to put the offense in a better position, especially during the Falcons' four-game losing streak?
Perhaps the most appreciation for Cousins came from Penix, himself. Penix has been his understudy since he was drafted in April, learned a lot from the veteran quarterback in meetings, private conversations and on the field.
"I look up to Kirk," Penix said. "To be honest Kirk couldn't do no wrong in my eyes. When I saw him in camp leading all the way up through the season — he's special."
Simmons went through a similar situation as a member of the Denver Broncos. Russell Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, was benched for the final two games last season, his 12th in the NFL.
"It's almost like a double-edged sword type of thing. You know how much Kirk puts into it and what it means to him," Simmons said. "And, at the same time, [we're] moving forward with Mike and got to find the best way to support him as a defense and to get him some easy throws, easy catches, things like that."
As the sentiments of appreciation set in, it was time to move forward and rally behind Penix.
With three games left, the Falcons are in the midst of a playoff push. While their chances may be lower than when Atlanta led the NFC South standings, there's still something to play for. That's part of the reason this move was made, and the Falcons hope Penix can spark the offense and keep them in contention.
"It's tough happening at the time that it did, but it's pretty cool for us too. I guess you could say, (we) have a slight reset," Pitts said. "We got the win last week, and keep trying to get wins every week."
