The best team in the NFC South this season, at least on paper, was the Atlanta Falcons. With a stout defense, an overkill running backcourt, and tons of talent everywhere except at the position that mattered most, they made every effort to upgrade at quarterback this past offseason. They started by signing veteran Kirk Cousins ​​to a huge deal in free agency and then used a top-10 draft pick on Michael Penix Jr. from Washington.

This decision was very controversial for the Falcons, especially after investing so much in Cousins. However, it’s starting to look like a not-stupid move. Cousins ​​began the 2024 season at a reasonably high level, but has declined significantly in recent weeks. In his last five starts, Cousins ​​managed just one total touchdown pass and nine interceptions, and the Falcons were barely able to get past the Desmond Ridder-led Raiders on Monday night.

And so the Falcons finally make a change. Last night, the team announced that Penix is ​​taking over the quarterback position, making him their starter for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.

The Carolina Panthers hosted the Falcons in Week 6 and were loudly celebrated 38-20. Andy Dalton threw two interceptions, while Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson had 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Cousins ​​didn’t have to do much, going 19/30 for 225 yards and a touchdown.

Looking forward, the Panthers are scheduled to visit the Falcons for their final game of the season – although the date and time have yet to be determined. This means they will likely face Penix in this matchup. So what should they expect?

If you watched Penix play in Washington, you know he has a capable arm, as he led the nation in passing yards last year and finished second in 2022. The biggest difference between Penix and Cousins ​​is that he has far more aggressive instincts when it comes to challenging defenses vertically. Penix showed excellent touch and accuracy on his deep ball. However, Penix’s play is still a bit rough, which is one of the reasons the Falcons waited so long to sign him.

Still, Penix is ​​a much more dynamic quarterback than Cousins ​​at this point in his career and poses a bigger challenge for the Panthers in the long run, if not necessarily in the next few games, which could get a little tough as he gets used to the speed of the pro game. It will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero tackles the rookie.

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