The Atlanta Falcons were blown out in their Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers, and there may be a quarterback controversy brewing after Sunday’s events.
Penix Jr. Benched, Falcons Finish Game With Cousins
The Falcons entered Sunday’s action with an even 1-1 record, and were 3.5-point road favorites to get above .500. But despite solid play from their defense in the first half, Atlanta trailed by 10 at halftime. Two missed field goals doomed them early, and the offense had trouble getting things going otherwise.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was at the center of the struggles. After a slow first half, things fell apart for the second-year player out of Washington, as he threw two third quarter interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Michael Penix vs. Panthers today 😬
18/36
172 YDS
2 INT (1 pick-six)
0 TDKirk Cousins is in for ATL… pic.twitter.com/ViZK46UnON
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 21, 2025
At the end of the third quarter, Penix Jr. was 18 for 36 for 172 yards and the two picks. His quarterback rating of 40.5 was ultimately the worst performance of his young career.
The Falcons made a change to start the final frame. The team famously kept Kirk Cousins around this offseason, providing an insurance policy at the most important position, albeit an expensive one. They decided to insert him into the game already down 27-0, effectively benching Michael Penix Jr. in his 6th NFL start.
Cousins wasn’t able to do much, as the Falcons wound up losing 30-0.
Will There Be A QB Controversy In Atlanta?
Will there be a quarterback controversy going forward? It would be unlikely for Atlanta to make such a drastic move at this point in the season. Penix Jr. is still early in his development, and he was the clear-cut starter for the year entering training camp.
Kirk Cousins is in at quarterback
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 21, 2025
Instead of the mid-game QB change being a sign of things to come, it is more likely that the Falcons were simply cutting their losses for the day. Penix Jr. was obviously struggling, and the game was out of hand. Instead of letting the youngster break his confidence any further, they spared him by subbing in their reliable backup.
It will still be an interesting situation to monitor during the coming week. They will take on the Washington Commanders next Sunday, which will be followed by a bye.
