‘Nearly flawless’ Michael Penix Jr. helps re-energize Falcons’ playoff push

ATLANTA — Michael Penix Jr. looked like an NFL veteran in his first professional start but not as much as he sounded like one when he took the podium after the game. Costco, hit me up.” If the Falcons keep playing like they did Sunday, Penix may get a sponsorship offer from the company, which would mean he replaced Kirk Cousins to become Atlanta’s Kirkland quarterback and pitch Costco’s signature line of products. “We had a lot of time to develop him, and the kid did a great job himself of getting ready where the moment wasn’t too big.” Cousins swallowed the sting of being benched less than a year after signing a four-year, $180 million contract to mentor Penix throughout the week, Penix said. “Now he’s just chilling, and he’s got some touch to him.” Sunday’s drops didn’t rattle Penix, running back Bijan Robinson said. We did that.” GO DEEPER What Michael Penix Jr.'s college film reveals about his chances as Atlanta's QB Atlanta’s defense had nothing to apologize for after returning two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game for the first time since 1983.