In this week’s episode of Inside Coverage, Frank Schwab and Jori Epstein deep dive into the Atlanta Falcons' decision to bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. Jori, though not shocked by Penix's start, is taken aback by the team's decision to market it as a permanent change. The duo discusses what we can expect from Penix in his first NFL action and debates whether Cousins, struggling after his Achilles injury, will find a starting role next season (plus some potential landing spots that make sense). In other news, Jori heads to Philly this week to examine the Philadelphia Eagles’ impressive defense, highlighted by the rise of linebacker Zach Baun, who’s making a name for himself after an offseason transformation.

Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to a common theme in the NFL: process vs. results. Frank and Jori analyze some key quarterback decisions by process alone: Deshaun Watson’s rumored return next year and Anthony Richardson’s stagnant development in Indianapolis. Jori and Frank analyze the Indianapolis Colts' decision-making process in drafting Richardson and whether it was a case of bad process or just bad luck. They also discuss the potential of Deshaun Watson bouncing back in Cleveland, reflecting on the Browns' investment and whether his struggles were a product of poor decision-making or something more complex. Frank and Jori also break down the Dallas Cowboys' hot streak and whether head coach Mike McCarthy’s job is safe after recent wins.

The episode closes with a discussion on Frank's NFL power rankings, with Frank placing the Eagles at the top and Jori arguing for the Buffalo Bills at number one, and the hosts' picks for Thursday Night Football as the Denver Broncos head to Southern California to take on the Los Angeles Chargers.

(2:45) - Kirk Cousins benched in Atlanta

(21:20) - Rise of Zach Baun in Philly

(31:35) - Process vs. results: Anthony Richardson

(38:00) - Process vs. results: Deshaun Watson

(46:10) - Process vs. results: Mike McCarthy

(55:00) - Frank's power rankings corner

(1:01:55) - TNF picks

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❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

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Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”

Subscribe to Inside Coverage on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

❤️ Inside Coverage would be nothing without the impact of our beloved Terez Paylor, who was a pillar of Yahoo Sports' NFL editorial and podcast coverage. We will continue to produce this NFL podcast in his honor, and hope that you can support Terez Paylor's legacy in one of three ways:

• Buy an "All-Juice Team" hoodie or tee. All profits directly fund the Terez A. Paylor scholarship at Howard University: http://breakingt.com/Terez

• Donate directly to the PowerMizzou Journalism Alumni Scholarship in memory of Terez Paylor: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/fund.aspx?item_id=699

• Donate directly to the Terez A. Paylor Scholarship at Howard University: http://giving.howard.edu/givenow

Under “Tribute,” please note that your gift is made in memory of Terez A. Paylor. Under “Designation,” click on “Other” and write in “Terez A. Paylor Scholarship.”