Welcome to the Tuesday edition of the Pick Six newsletter!
A warm welcome to all the Kirk Cousins fans joining us today! The Falcons pulled off a jaw-dropping 22-21 victory over the Eagles on Monday night, and it was Kirk Cousins who made it happen. Known in the past for struggling under the Monday night spotlight, Cousins defied expectations with a spectacular comeback performance, and we’ll be diving into all the details of that game.
We’ll also discuss the Panthers' surprising decision to bench Bryce Young, a move that has sent shockwaves through the league. And, since it’s Tuesday, we’ll break down the latest Pete Prisco Power Rankings, which have seen some dramatic shifts this week.
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1. Bryce Young benched: Details on Carolina's surprising decision to bench the former No. 1 overall pick
On Monday, the Carolina Panthers made a surprising move by benching Bryce Young. Despite Young's struggles early in his career, it was unexpected for the team to part ways with a first-round quarterback so swiftly—especially one selected as the number one overall pick. Such a decision is rare in the NFL, making it all the more shocking.
Panthers' Shock Bench, Falcons' Stunning Win, and Prisco's Power Rankings
The NFL delivered a whirlwind of drama this week, with the Carolina Panthers making a bold move by benching Bryce Young, the Atlanta Falcons pulling off an incredible victory over the Eagles, and Pete Prisco’s Power Rankings undergoing significant upheaval. Here’s a deep dive into these major headlines:
Panthers' Bold Move: Bryce Young Benched
The Carolina Panthers made a surprising decision on Monday by benching Bryce Young. Despite his struggles early in the season, it’s rare for an NFL team to give up on a first-round quarterback so quickly, especially one selected as the number one overall pick.
What You Need to Know:
- Reason for the Bench:
New Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who was hired in January, stated that benching Young was the best option for the team’s immediate success. “Ultimately, this comes on me, and my No. 1 responsibility is to help the Panthers win,” Canales explained. “I believe this move gives us the best chance to win this week.” The Panthers will face the Raiders in Las Vegas on Sunday.
- Young’s Reaction:
Young was reportedly blindsided by the decision. Despite his tough start this season, he was caught off guard by the benching. Over two games, Young averaged just 122.5 passing yards per game, with three interceptions and no touchdowns.
- Historical Context:
Young’s performance has been historically poor. With a 2-16 record in 18 starts, he has one of the worst records for a quarterback with at least 15 starts since 1950, ahead of only DeShone Kizer and Chris Weinke.
- Unprecedented Decision:
Benching a No. 1 overall pick in their second year is highly unusual. Notable cases include JaMarcus Russell and Jameis Winston, who were benched later in their careers. For a full list of No. 1 picks who have been benched, click here.
- Dalton’s Revenge Tour:
If Andy Dalton starts for the remainder of the season, he will face all of his former teams, including the Bengals, Bears, Saints, and Cowboys.
For more details on Young’s benching, check out our full story here. Our North Carolina resident, Will Brinson, also explores why benching Young might be the right decision, which you can read here.
Falcons’ Shocking Victory Over the Eagles: Six Key Takeaways
The final game of Week 2 was a rollercoaster. The Eagles appeared to have control, but Kirk Cousins led a dramatic comeback, resulting in a 22-21 victory for the Falcons.
Highlights from the Game:
- Kirk Cousins' Clutch Performance:
Cousins, who struggled in the first half, turned it around with a stellar second half. He completed 13 of 16 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. His most notable moment came with a 70-yard drive in the final minutes, capped by a seven-yard TD pass to Drake London. This win marked a turnaround for Cousins, who had previously struggled in Monday night games but is now 4-1 in his last five.
- Bijan Robinson’s Impact:
Robinson played a crucial role in the Falcons' offense, rushing for 97 yards and adding 25 receiving yards. His performance eased the pressure on Cousins, who became more comfortable as the game progressed.
- Saquon Barkley’s Missed Opportunity:
The Eagles’ loss can be partly attributed to a dropped pass by Saquon Barkley on a crucial third down. Had he caught it, the Eagles could have managed the clock better and potentially secured the win. Barkley’s drop was particularly costly as it allowed the Falcons to regain possession with 1:39 left.
- Jalen Hurts’ Late Mistake:
With a chance to win after the Falcons took the lead, Hurts was intercepted by Jessie Bates III on the final play, sealing the Eagles’ defeat. Despite his solid performance overall, the pick overshadowed his contributions.
- Questionable Coaching Decisions:
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni’s decisions, including a questionable fourth-down call and a pass play when running could have drained more clock, are now being second-guessed. The Eagles have now blown a lead in the final two minutes for the fourth time since the start of the 2023 season, the highest number in the NFL.
For a deeper dive into the game and player grades, click here.
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Prisco’s Week 3 Power Rankings: Saints and Vikings Surge
Pete Prisco’s Week 3 Power Rankings saw some major shifts following the latest games. The Saints and Vikings made significant jumps, reflecting their strong performances and changes in the league landscape.
For a detailed look at the new rankings and which teams made the biggest moves, check out our full Power Rankings breakdown here.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the NFL season continues to unfold.
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