Falcons have the perfect coverage to give Michael Penix Jr. a tryout early in the season

There are many things I don't understand. What I don't understand right now is the Falcons' decision not to have quarterback Michael Penix Jr. play in the second or third game of the 2024 preseason.

That's fitting, because I also didn't understand the team's decision to select Penix as the eighth pick in the draft.

Let's assume they had a good reason for not allowing Penix to prepare for and play in two games. If, as we are led to believe, Kirk Cousins ​​is the starter and Michael Penix Jr. is the backup, why not let Penix play in the preseason?

As Simms and I discussed the situation this morning, PFTLivean idea formed in my dizzy brain.

Normally, it's impossible to play with a first-round rookie and then bench him when he's struggling. It's very difficult to bench the young player without destroying his confidence. In Atlanta, however, the Falcons may decide that Cousins ​​needs a little more time to recover from his torn Achilles and that Penix will play while Cousins ​​finishes the road back to 100 percent.

This would allow them to start the season with Penix. If he struggles, Cousins ​​would suddenly be ready to play again. If Penix plays well, the Falcons can keep him playing.

This is the perfect cover to give Penix a tryout. And it is a possible explanation for not letting him play in the second or third preseason game.