The Atlanta Falcons have made the shocking decision to bench quarterback Kirk Cousins and replace him with rookie Michael Penix Jr., who will make his first career start on Sunday against the New York Giants.
“After review, we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”
This represents the second time the Falcons have stunned the football world with Penix Jr.
Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal during free agency before selecting Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, which caught many off guard.
The Giants, who desperately tried to trade up for a top quarterback but failed, passed on Penix Jr. at No. 6 overall and selected LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers instead.
Now they will get a firsthand look at what could have been.
Penix Jr. revitalized his college career at Washington, throwing for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions over two seasons. He was a two-time Second-Team All-Pac-12 selection, the AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2022, and a First-Team All-American in 2023. He also won the Maxwell Award last year.
Penix Jr. has appeared in just two games for the Falcons this season, completing three of his five passes for 38 yards.
