Michael Penix Jr., the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, made his first career start this weekend against the New York Giants. The rookie quarterback completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards and just one interception on the way to a 34-7 Atlanta Falcons win.
In the team’s post-game press conference, head coach Raheem Morris explained how the franchise decided to make the difficult choice to bench starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for Penix Jr. in the middle of the week.
“I would say that it was gratifying to us as an organization,” Morris said. “I don’t take any personal recognition or any personal pride in behind those types of decisions. Those decisions will always be made as a collaborative effort between myself, Terry [Fontenot], our management crew, and all the people that were involved with those things along with our ownership.”
Morris then elaborated on that decision, saying that he felt the team handled things well.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is rising up for all to hear 🎁 pic.twitter.com/HSD7A9wQ7s
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 22, 2024
“It’s a great job by us. It’s a great job by how we wanted to manage it and how we wanted to get him out there,” he said. “The plan came a little bit sooner, but the kid was ready. We had a lot of time to develop him. The kid did a great job developing himself and getting ready for that moment where it wasn’t too big. I was really proud and pleased with the effort he was able to go out there and play with.”
With the win, the Atlanta Falcons have improved to 8-7 on the season, which puts them a half a game back from first place in the NFC South behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who play later in the day against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
Following the victory, the Atlanta Falcons have a 34% chance to make the 2024-25 NFL Playoffs. Up next, the Dirty Birds travel to the U.S. capitol to take on the Washington Commanders, who just moved to 10-5 after a last-minute win against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.
