Michael Penix Jr. Excites NFL Fans as Falcons Beat Giants After Kirk Cousins Benched

Andrew PetersDecember 22, 2024

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 22: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Michael Penix Jr. era has arrived in Atlanta.

The Falcons rookie quarterback made his first start on Sunday, leading Atlanta to a dominant 34-7 win over the New York Giants after Kirk Cousins' benching earlier this week.

The No. 8 overall pick had a decent outing in his first start, throwing for 202 passing yards on 18-of-27 passing. He had one interception, but it was hardly his fault as he found Kyle Pitts for what would have been a first down, but Pitts bobbled the ball and gave it away to the Giants' defense.

NFL @NFL
Juggled and picked off by the Giants at the goal line!<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYGvsATL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYGvsATL</a> on FOX<br>📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO909ge">https://t.co/waVpO909ge</a> <a href="https://t.co/PdRfXIGHCa">pic.twitter.com/PdRfXIGHCa</a>

The Falcons didn't need Penix to shine in his first start as the defense stepped up in a big way, accounting for two touchdowns on the day. Jessie Bates III had a 55-yard pick-six and Matthew Judon had a 27-yard touchdown off of an interception. Running back Bijan Robinson also had two touchdowns on the ground.

After the win, fans were excited by Penix's promising first start.

Ev Glaze @Everett_G07
Overall, a VERY solid game for Penix. Good control of the offense, outstanding poise, and some great accuracy MOF(which has been one of his weaknesses). Without the pick and drops, would've been a much better game statistically.

ThrillaFrmCamilla @_Ahreeahnah
Penix Jr.???? <a href="https://t.co/iOAFQrCmdE">pic.twitter.com/iOAFQrCmdE</a>

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K @projectjax
Penix is playing WAAAYYY better than the box score shows.

'1993 @K_Bell8
Even tho no TDs solid game from Penix. Good reads and looked comfortable in the pocket

. @falconshateme
penix easily wins rookie of the year if he plays the full season btw

Ev Glaze @Everett_G07
If you wondered whether the game in Las Vegas would've been close had Penix been the starter, this answers your question.

ahkie @1moham3d
you can't tell me penix hasn't boosted everyone on dis team

ATL Sports Zone @ATLSportsZone
Ladies and Gentleman! The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Falcons?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Falcons</a> have found their franchise QB! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Penix?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Penix</a> is a baller! <a href="https://t.co/wWpg8XxYvR">pic.twitter.com/wWpg8XxYvR</a>

BeGREAT! @NileShabazz
Watching Penix play and thinking about all the losses we took that could have been Wins smdh.

Hennylock @Hennylock018
Such a beautiful start to the penix era <a href="https://t.co/OZCcbWSUjt">pic.twitter.com/OZCcbWSUjt</a>

Jeff Darlington @JeffDarlington
I'm covering the Falcons game, and Penix has seemingly steadied the ship on offense. Yes, his defense provided two Pick 6s. Yes, it's Giants' D. But Penix is moving chains, making smart throws, etc. Nothing overly memorable… which is exactly what they needed after last 5 weeks.

NFL fans were surprised when Atlanta decided to draft Penix so early after giving Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract this offseason, but that decision could end up paying off if he continues to develop well over the next few years.

The Falcons have a decision to make about whether or not to cut Cousins, but for now, fans have something to look forward to with Penix under center.

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