Michael Penix Jr. earned a blowout win in his first career start as two pick-sixes from the Falcons defense and steady play from the rookie QB led to a 34-7 victory. Head coach Raheem Morris described the outing as "almost flawless football".

Cousins, who is in the first season of a four-year, $180 million contract that included $90 million guaranteed at signing, was benched by the Falcons on Tuesday.

The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly sending veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the bench and will make rookie signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. their starter in Week 16’s game against the New York Giants at home,