Welcome to the NFL, Michael Penix Jr.
The rookie quarterback was thrown into the Atlanta Falcons’ starting role earlier this week when Kirk Cousins’ struggles became too much for the team. Penix got his first start against the New York Giants and picked up a win even as he battled through some rookie issues.
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Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs the ball against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Penix was 18 of 27 with 207 passing yards and one interception, but he was not sacked.
Atlanta defeated New York34-7.
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 never looked back from there.
Penix’s 19-yard pass to Darnell Mooney helped Bijan Robinson set up 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. walks off the field after the New York Giants game in Atlanta, Sunday, December 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 second straight win for the Falcons. 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 humbling season continued.
Lock was 22 of 39 with 210 passing yards, a touchdown pass and two interceptions. But the lethargic offense was only able to convert one of its 11 drives into points.
The defense didn’t help 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 in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (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 this season and make the playoffs.
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