Welcome to the NFL, Michael Penix Jr.
The rookie quarterback was brought in Atlanta Falcons starting the season earlier this week when Kirk Cousins' problems became too much for the team to handle. Penix made his first start against the New York Giants and picked up the win despite battling some rookie struggles.
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Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs the ball against the New York Giants in Atlanta, Sunday, December 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Penix was 18-of-27 with 207 passing yards and one touchdown, but was not sacked.
Atlanta lost New York34-7.
The Falcons got on the board with a field goal after an eight-play, 36-yard drive in the second quarter. Falcons safety Jessie Bates III returned Drew Lock's fumble for a touchdown to take the lead. Atlanta never looked back from there.
Penix's 19-yard pass to Darnell Mooney helped set up Bijan Robinson for the first of his two rushing touchdowns. The Falcons took a 17-7 lead into the locker room.
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Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leaves the field after the New York Giants game in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Robinson scored again in the third quarter. He finished with 94 yards rushing on 22 carries and two touchdowns. Mooney led the way with five catches for 82 yards.
It was the Falcons' second straight win. They beat the Las Vegas Raiders last week after a four game losing streak. The Falcons are now 8-7 on the season.
For the Giants, the down season continued.
Lock was 22-of-39 with 210 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. But the high-powered offense was able to turn 1 of 11 drives into points.
The defense didn't help either. The Falcons had nine drives and 22 first downs. New York had 14 first downs on just 11 drives.
Mike Hughes makes a punt against New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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It was a great win for the rookie quarterback who will need to build confidence quickly if the Falcons are to win the NFC South and make the playoffs this season.
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