The Atlanta Falcons have benched veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., who will make his first-ever start on Sunday at home against the New York Giants.
Penix, the former Washington star and Heisman finalist, went eighth overall to the Falcons in April's draft despite Atlanta signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal the month before. It seemed like a puzzling move at the time given Atlanta's investment.
However, the Falcons' offense underperformed with Cousins under center over the past five weeks. Cousins threw just one touchdown pass and tossed nine interceptions during that span.