The Minnesota Vikings‘ bet of moving on from Kirk Cousins came to a crescendo following a Week 14 win over the Cousin-led Falcons.

Sam Darnold became the first Vikings quarterback to throw for 300-plus yards and five touchdowns in a game since Daunte Culpepper in 2004 to the tune of a 42-21 win on December 8 — the most points scored by the Vikings in head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s three-year tenure.

Meanwhile, Cousins couldn’t shake the turnover bug that’s bit him late in the season.

He threw for 344 yards for zero touchdowns and two interceptions, adding to his league-leading total of 15 on the season. Cousins has not thrown a touchdown in four games — the longest dry streak of his career.

There were calls for the Falcons to bench Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. before the game.

To Cousins’ chagrin, those calls have only grown louder.

Kirk Cousins has 0 touchdowns and 8 interceptions over the last 4 games.

You drafted Michael Penix Jr. for this moment, make the switch Falcons.

Falcons, NFL Fans Call for Kirk Cousins to Be Benched After Loss to Vikings
Fans and analysts took to social media to vent their frustrations with his performance.

Fox Sports’ Emmanuel Acho called on the Falcons to make the inevitable move the franchise positioned itself into by drafting Penix in April.

“You drafted Michael Penix Jr. for this moment, make the switch Falcons,” Acho wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniels agreed, saying “how can you not at least entertain the idea of Michael Penix Jr?”

Kirk Cousins has 8 INT’s in his last 4 games….how can you not at least entertain the idea of Michael Penix Jr?

The Falcons franchise is facing scrutiny for their decision to pay Cousins a $50 million g guaranteed this season as part of the four-year, $180 million deal he signed in March.

The whole QB development plan where sitting Michael Penix Jr. behind Kirk Cousins and his big monied contract is proving itself to be the dumbest decision of 2024.

Can’t imagine Terry Fontenot survives this catastrophe.

— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) December 8, 2024

“Rather remarkable how much better 1 year – $10 million Sam Darnold is than 4 year – $180 million Kirk Cousins,” Green Bay Packers podcaster Andy Herman wrote.

Rather remarkable how much better 1 year – $10 million Sam Darnold is than 4 year – $180 million Kirk Cousins.

Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Myron Medcalf chimed in on the conversation, saying “You all were warned,” to Falcosn fans.

Kirk Cousins has eight interceptions in his last four games. You all were warned.