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Falcons’ stunning QB switch will get first test vs. Giants

AP photo by David Becker / Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. warms up for last Monday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He will make the first start of his NFL career Sunday when the Falcons host the New York Giants, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins in the key role for a playoff contender.
AP photo by David Becker / Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. warms up for last Monday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He will make the first start of his NFL career Sunday when the Falcons host the New York Giants, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins in the key role for a playoff contender. AP photo by David Becker / Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. warms up for last Monday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He will make the first start of his NFL career Sunday when the Falcons host the New York Giants, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins in the key role for a playoff contender.

By PAUL NEWBERRY / The Associated Press 6 min read

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have a new leader in their push for the playoffs.

Exit Kirk Cousins. Enter Michael Penix Jr.

In a move that would have been unimaginable just last month, the Falcons have handed the starting quarterback job to their first-round draft pick, who has played a total of 21 regular-season snaps in the NFL and never started a game.

Penix will take the first snap when the Falcons (7-7) host the woeful New York Giants (2-12) on Sunday in what is essentially a must-win game for Atlanta in the NFC South Division race.

“He’s been doing a great job in preparation,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said of the left-handed Penix, who helped the Washington Huskies reach the national championship game of the College Football Playoff for the 2023 season. “We’re really fired up to go watch him play.”