Before Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins ​​ran out of the tunnel for the second-to-last time before Sunday’s game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, they paused for a moment of prayer.

That’s something they do every game – Cousins ​​prays for safety and good performance, then they take the field. This time, Cousins ​​Penix tapped the nameplate and sent the 24-year-old rookie to the gridiron first, where a then-sparse crowd greeted him with loud applause.

The Falcons Podcast: Spotify | Apple Pods | REGARD

Cousins ​​followed close behind. Perhaps there is nothing better to sum up the mentorship that Penix has shown in a week for Cousins, who was signed on a four-year contract after just 14 games on Tuesday night and will now likely be forced to leave this offseason Parties could have been turbulent.

“Kirk was great all week, he was always there for me with anything I needed help with,” Penix said after the game. “He was great. He’s a great leader, a great teammate, and we talk all the time. When he was on the sideline he always asked me what I saw and he encouraged me throughout the game.”

Cousins, 36, has been in Penix’s corner since Falcons coach Raheem Morris made the move last week. When Cousins ​​left the facility Tuesday night, he drove home, called Penix and offered his support in any way he could.

Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom has experienced a midseason quarterback change in each of the last two seasons. Each one was different, he said, and this one — with Cousins’ contract and Penix’s first-round status — was perhaps the most well-known.

But in Lindstrom’s eyes, Cousins ​​and Penix handled the situation as best they could.

“I think it just speaks to the character, both Kirk and Mike, they were both great,” Lindstrom said Sunday after the game. “It wasn’t distracting at all, and those two guys are just two of the best professionals at it.”

The Falcons won Penix’s first start and cruised to a 34-7 victory over New York after falling behind early in the second quarter. Penix went 18-for-27 passing for 202 yards, no touchdowns and one interception that fell off the hands of tight end Kyle Pitts.

Cousins ​​watched from the sidelines and supported Penix at every stop — as he did all week. Running back Bijan Robinson, who scored two touchdowns, praised Cousins ​​for his humility.

“I think Kirk being so supportive and helping Mike was really great,” Robinson said Sunday. “I think sometimes when that situation arises and when that switch happens, one guy is upset or in his feelings. But Kirk was there for him every step of the way.”

READ MORE: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. confirms his belief in a “nearly flawless” first start

“And it’s nice to see a veteran who has played for so long take a step back and then support the next player, that’s huge.”

Cousins’ future is unknown. Regardless, his tenure is expected to end in the few months following this season. He finished with one touchdown and nine interceptions in his final five games under center in which Atlanta went 1-4.

But aside from his personal issues and the disappointment that resulted, Cousins ​​never put himself above the team — something that Robinson says speaks volumes about the four-time Pro Bowler.

“He deserves my full respect for that,” Robinson said.

However, the Falcons turned Cousins’ side. Their target is Penix, the No. 8 pick in April’s draft and a talented left-hander with a big, accurate arm.

And in his first NFL start, Penix delivered exactly what the Falcons expected.

“The calmness in everyone, knowing that Mike – we see him every day in practice against the scout team before he was a starter, and we just had so much confidence in him and what he could do,” Robinson said. “And then when he came back with us, obviously we were all hands on deck. We were ready to go.”

Atlanta is also ready to start its next generation under center. But as Penix navigates the final two games of the regular season and then secures a possible playoff spot, Cousins ​​won’t be too far away.

Follow FalconsSI on Facebook | X