When the Atlanta Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in April, perhaps nobody was more surprised than incumbent starter Kirk Cousins. The Falcons didn't tell Cousins they were selecting Penix until they were on the clock.

We talked to Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. about staying ready, his favorite players to watch and working with Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons have regressed to the mean in the last two weeks, suffering an unlucky loss to the New Orleans Saints and an absolute pummeling from the Denver Broncos.

The Atlanta Falcons suffered their biggest loss in three years Sunday but saw glimpses of future promise from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at the end.

After a stellar final season with the Washington Huskies that saw him finish second in voting for the Heisman Trophy and get selected No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix speaks one-on-one with SportsCasting about his relationship with Kirk Cousins.

It was one of the more unexpected results of the week 11 slate of games as the Denver Broncos absolutely throttled a talented Atlanta Falcons team to the tune of 38-6. Given the state of the game, Atlanta decided to give their rookie quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. some live reps as the game was clearly out of hand.

Cousins was benched for the second time this season in a blowout loss. Is that a sign of changes coming in Atlanta?

Down 38-6 in the fourth quarter, the Atlanta Falcons figuratively waved a white flag against the Denver Broncos. While rookie Bo Nix shredded the Falcons, when Atlanta got the ball back with 9:03 left, they sent Kirk Cousins to the bench and brought rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr into the game.

The Atlanta Falcons have replaced Kirk Cousins with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.