Seahawks likely facing Kirk Cousins, not Michael Penix Jr. in Week 7

One of the most interesting matchups on the Seahawks' 2024 schedule will come in Week 7 when they visit the Falcons, who suddenly have one of the most intriguing and bizarre quarterback situations in the NFL. After signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year deal in free agency, the Falcons stunned the world by picking Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the draft.

Most folks seem to think Atlanta made an all-time blunder by taking Penix, but if nothing else the Falcons secrured depth at a position that's been a sore spot for them since Matt Ryan's decline. Apparently they are committed to sitting Penix and letting him learn behind Cousins. That means when the Seahawks visit Atlanta they will face Cousins unless he gets injured, per D. Orlando Ledbetter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Had they been expected to face Penix, the Seahawks would have had some inside information courtesy of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who worked with Penix and called plays for the Huskies the last two seasons. During the draft Seattle's front office reportedly tried to trade up into the top 10 for Penix but were unsuccessful. For what it's worth, the team has since denied they tried to move up for him. In any case, at least for now this is probably the right move for the Falcons. Cousins gives them a better chance to win right away and Penix's game still has some refining to do.

Seattle fans should expect a similar dynamic in Week 2 on the road against the Patriots. Even though New England invested a top-three overall pick in North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, the expectation is that veteran Jacoby Brissett will be starting at QB.

At least in their season opener the Seahawks will get to face a rookie. Former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is slated to start for the Broncos Week 1.