Atlanta has competed in the NFC South race throughout the season, but Cousins struggled in the second half. The 36-year-old threw just one touchdown compared to nine interceptions over a five-game stretch prior to being benched, and the Falcons went 1-4 in those games.

What a stretch it has been Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. First, it was announced he'd be taking over for veteran Kirk Cousins after the struggling starting quarterback threw one too many interceptions this season.

The Falcons had planned to sit Penix behind Cousins this season, but the veteran's play dictated this move with a playoff spot at stake.

The Falcons are assured of their best record since a 10-6 finish under coach Dan Quinn in 2017, their most recent playoff season. Quinn is in his first season as Washington’s coach and has led the Commanders (10-5) to three straight wins, including Sunday’s 36-33 victory over Philadelphia.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is rooting for his fellow classmates. Daniels was one of six quarterbacks selected in the first round — within the first 12 picks — of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have to be happy with what they saw from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his first NFL start. While the numbers don’t jump out, Penix’s decisiveness, arm talent and pocket mobility were on display during Sunday’s 34-7 win over the New York Giants.

But Falcons head coach Raheem Morris felt his 24-year-old signal caller delivered an "almost flawless" performance, avoiding fatal mistakes and operating a high level to help Atlanta get its largest win in over four years.

Penix, the former Washington Huskies standout, was named the Falcons starter in Week 16, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins, who struggled for more than a month. Penix was picked No.

Michael Penix Jr. had a lot on his plate this week. On Sunday, he made his debut as an NFL starter, leading the Atlanta Falcons to a win over the New York Giants. Later in the week, he got engaged. In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday,

What an exciting past couple weeks it's been for Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Just days removed from being named the team's starting QB and helping lead them to a 34-7 win over the Giants,

Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. and longtime girlfriend Olivia Carter got engaged over the holiday and shared the heartwarming moment on social media.