Welcome to the NFL, Michael Penix Jr.
The rookie quarterback took over the starting role for the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week when Kirk Cousins’ struggles became too much for the team. Penix made his first start against the New York Giants and earned a win even while battling some rookie issues.
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Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs 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 an interception, but was not sacked.
Atlanta defeated New York, 34-7.
The Falcons got on the board with a field goal after an eight-play, 36-yard drive in the second quarter. Falcons safety Jessie Bates III returned a Drew Lock interception for a touchdown to take the lead. Atlanta didn’t look back from there.
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 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 consecutive victory. They defeated the Las Vegas Raiders last week after a four-game losing streak. The Falcons are now 8-7 on the season.
For the Giants, the bad season continued.
Lock was 22 of 39 with 210 passing yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions. But the sluggish offense only managed to convert one of 11 shots into points.
The defense didn’t help either. The Falcons had nine drives and 22 first downs. New York only had 14 first downs in 11 series.
Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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.
