Who Should I Start? Kirk Cousins or Jake Haener

Monday, August 4, 9:24 AM

The Atlanta Falcons will not play quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins in the team's first preseason game on Friday against the Detroit Lions, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Easton Stick and Emory Jones are the quarterbacks on Atlanta's depth chart behind their top two guys, so they will presumably split snaps against Detroit. Penix Jr. is expected to enter the season as the starter for Atlanta after taking over for Cousins in Week 16 of 2024. The veteran Cousins had been the subject of some trade speculation during the offseason, but it appears Atlanta is planning to keep him in place as the backup. In 14 games last year, the 36-year-old completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. There's not much that Cousins needs to prove in preseason action at this point in his career.

Sunday, July 27, 9:22 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener reportedly has a real shot at winning the starting gig to begin the regular season. Haener has looked good during training camp and is reportedly making this a real three-man race. Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough are probably above him on the depth chart, but the Saints aren't counting Haener out. Last season, Haener made one start for the Saints during their Week 15 matchup against the Washington Commanders. He completed 4-of-10 passing attempts for 49 yards and one interception before getting benched at halftime in favor of Rattler. Despite that, the Saints aren't holding that outing against him and are giving Haener a fair chance at the starting gig. This is clearly going to be a rebuild in New Orleans, so Shough seems like the favor to start. However, Haener and Rattler are going to get real opportunities during camp and the preseason.