Welcome to the NFL, Michael Penix Jr.
The rookie quarterback was thrust into the starting role for the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week as Kirk Cousins’ struggles became too much for the team to handle. Penix made his first start against the New York Giants and picked up a win despite struggling with some rookie issues.
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Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. passes the ball against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Penix was 18 of 27 with 207 passing yards and one interception but was not sacked.
Atlanta defeated New York 34-7.
The Falcons got into the game with a field goal after an eight-play, 36-yard drive in the second quarter. Falcons safety Jessie Bates III returned an interception by Drew Lock for a touchdown to take the lead. From then on, Atlanta never looked back.
Penix’s 19-yard pass to Darnell Mooney helped set up Bijan Robinson for the first of his two rushing touchdowns. The Falcons took a 17-7 lead into the locker room.
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Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leaves the field after the New York Giants game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Robinson scored again in the third quarter. He finished the game with 94 rushing yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns. Mooney led the way with five catches for 82 yards.
It was the Falcons’ second win in a row. They defeated the Las Vegas Raiders last week after a four-game losing streak. The Falcons are now 8-7 this season.
The weak season continued for the Giants.
Lock was 22 of 39 with 210 passing yards, one touchdown pass and two interceptions. But the lethargic offense was only able to convert one of 11 drives into points.
The defense didn’t help matters either. The Falcons had nine drives and 22 first downs. New York had just 14 first downs on 11 drives.
Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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It was a good win for the rookie quarterback, who will need to build confidence quickly if the Falcons want to win the NFC South and make the playoffs this season.
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