They say life comes at you fast, and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has experienced that in a major way in the last couple weeks. Just days after making his first career start in a win over the New York Giants,

The Falcons surprisingly selected Penix with the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The pick wasn't a surprise because of Penix's résumé so much as the team's $180 million signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier in the offseason. After a rough 14 games to begin his Falcons career, Atlanta benched Cousins for Penix.

The New York Giants passed over QB Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL draft and now he’ll start against them as a Falcon in Week 16.

While Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, has led Washington all season, the Falcons tapped Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick, to be Atlanta's starter last week after the team benched veteran Kirk Cousins.

The Michael Penix Jr. era started ahead of schedule for the Atlanta Falcons. The 24-year-old rookie debuts against the hapless 2-12 New York Giants.

Michael Penix Jr. completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards in his first career start, helping the Atlanta Falcons post a 34-7 rout of the visiting New

The identity of the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Giants has been revealed, and it will be rookie Michael Penix, Jr. "We have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward," head coach Raheem Morris said, per the Falcons’ official team website.

Michael Penix Jr. will make his first NFL start for the Falcons who are favored by more than a touchdown over the flailing, ailing Giants.

Penix, the former Washington Huskies standout, was named the Falcons starter in Week 16, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins, who struggled for more than a month. Penix was picked No.