Kirk Cousins Benched, Replaced by Michael Penix Jr. As Falcons Struggle vs. Broncos

The Atlanta Falcons made a change under center amid struggles against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Atlanta pulled quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the fourth quarter as the Falcons trailed 38-6. Cousins had 173 passing yards and an interception on 18-of-27 passing.

Cousins has had a solid year in his first season with the Falcons. Coming into Sunday's matchup he had 2,634 passing yards, the third-most in the league, and 17 touchdowns, the fourth-most in the league. He had thrown eight interceptions.

The appearance marks the second for Penix in his young career. He played briefly against the Seattle Seahawks in late October and completed his only pass attempt for 14 yards. On Sunday, he completed two of his four passes for 24 yards.

Penix, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023, had 4,903 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his final collegiate season at Washington.

Despite an outstanding season that ended with a loss in the national championship game, some fans were a bit surprised to see Atlanta take him with the No. 8 pick in the draft. The main reason was his age (24) and the fact that the Falcons had just signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal.

While he entered in a blowout on Sunday, it was another opportunity for Penix to show the Falcons what he could do.