Penix remains Falcons starter after benching in 30-0 loss to Panthers; staff reshuffle ahead of Week 4
Falcons bench Penix after two interceptions; Kirk Cousins re-enters as starter for a day, while coaches shuffle duties and prepare for a tough NFC matchup.
Michael Penix Jr.'s job security as the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is not in danger after he was benched for Kirk Cousins in a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Falcons coach Raheem Morris said Penix had a bad day and that the team remains confident in its starter as they move forward: "We're not even close to that with Mike. He had a bad day. We had a bad day," Morris said. "Mike is our quarterback. We got a lot of confidence in Mike. We're moving forward with Mike. Mike's the guy."
The bench came after Penix threw two interceptions, and the Falcons were shut out by the Panthers. Penix will remain the starter moving forward, Morris said, insisting the bench was not a referendum on Penix's future.
Penix has not thrown a touchdown to a wide receiver or tight end through three weeks of the NFL season, with the Falcons' offense scoring only one touchdown in its last two games. The team has faced questions about its passing game and consistency, even as the defense has shown signs of improvement at times.
To address the issues, the Falcons fired wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard on Tuesday. Offensive passing game coordinator T.J. Yates will take over Hilliard's responsibilities, while offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will move from the coach's box to the field to call plays for the first time since arriving with the Falcons. The organizational changes reflect a broader bid to inject energy into Atlanta's approach through a reshuffled play-calling structure and clearer on-field direction for Penix.
The Falcons will face the Washington Commanders in Week 4, a team that defeated Atlanta last season and is widely regarded as one of the top programs in the NFC. The matchup represents a stern test as Atlanta attempts to stabilize its offense and build momentum after a rocky start to the season.
Cousins' run as QB1 lasted 14 games, or nearly $13 million per start from the 4-year, $180 million contract he signed. Cousins led the Falcons to a 7-7 record during his tenure, a figure cited in discussions about the quarterback position and roster decisions surrounding Penix.
The path forward is anchored in adjustments both at the personnel level and on the field. Morris emphasized that Penix remains the team’s quarterback heading into Week 4 and that the organization will continue to evaluate progress with the same core plan and confidence in its signal-caller. The Panthers game serves as a stark reminder of the work ahead as Atlanta looks to rebound against a stiff NFC opponent and regain balance on offense.