ATLANTA — Michael Penix Jr. has arrived as Atlanta’s starting quarterback a little earlier than expected, but it’s tough to argue with the results: a 34-7 win on Sunday over the New York Giants that keeps Atlanta in the hunt for a playoff berth.
Penix looked composed and confident in the pocket most of the afternoon, and while he didn’t throw any touchdowns, he didn’t need to, given how well his defense and Bijan Robinson performed on the afternoon.
Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, led the Atlanta Falcons to victory just days after being named the Falcons’ starting quarterback for the rest of the season and, presumably, for the foreseeable future. Yes, he received substantial help from his defense, which claimed two pick-sixes on Giants quarterback Drew Lock, but Penix showed control and poise in his first NFL start, giving the Falcons a level …