3x Super Bowl champ makes feelings known about Kirk Cousins being replaced by rookie Michael Penix Jr.

The NFL quarterback landscape experienced a shift when the Atlanta Falcons benched Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. This unexpected move is sparking intense debate about quarterback performance and team strategy.

Mark Schlereth, a three-time Super Bowl champion and NFL analyst joined the debate. During Tuesday's episode on "Breakfast Ball," Schlereth assessed Cousins' struggles with the Falcons. His comments highlighted the quarterback's dramatic fall from grace after signing a massive contract.

"You spent a lot of money on a guy who has not produced, who has consistently produced over the course of his career in Kirk Cousins," Schlereth said.

"Listen, I don't know if it's the injury, I don't know if it's coming off the Achilles. He's lost some you know, he's lost some mobility, he's lost some juice on the ball, whatever it is, but he has played terrible football, and these are the consequences of playing terrible football."

Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, only to be benched 14 games into the deal. His performance dramatically declined after a promising start, dropping from a Comeback Player of the Year favorite to a quarterback on the bench.

Mark Schlereth validated Falcon's move to bench Kirk Cousins

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Imagn

Mike Schlereth's continued to cut deep into Kirk Cousins' recent struggles.

"Kirk Cousins throws interceptions like it's his job," he said. "When you stink, you get benched. They take your job away. They no longer let you play recess."

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio offered another perspective, suggesting Cousins should refuse to waive his no-trade clause. Florio argued that Cousins could potentially force the Falcons to pay his full $27.5 million salary for 2025, turning the benching into a complex financial standoff.

The statistics tell a damning story. Cousins threw career- and league-high 16 interceptions in 14 starts. His midseason looked promising, with a two-game stretch featuring seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. But from Week 10 onwards, he managed just one touchdown against nine interceptions

Schlereth's final assessment rings with veteran clarity. While he doesn't believe Cousins' career is over, he's certain it's over in Atlanta.