Penix wins debut as Atlanta QB as Falcons return two picks for TDs, beat hapless Giants 34-7

ATLANTA (AP) — Michael Penix Jr. felt a brief bit of apprehension as he ran down the tunnel, which was to be expected. Then he played like a veteran for the Atlanta Falcons. Penix's first NFL start went about as smoothly as it could, helped greatly by a defense that...

Falcons turn to rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. for key game vs Giants

New York Giants (2-12) at Atlanta (7-7) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 8 1/2. Against the spread: Giants 4-10; Falcons 6-8. Series record: Falcons lead 14-12. Last meeting: Falcons beat the Giants 17-14...

Don't write off Kirk Cousins just yet despite his benching: Analysis

Kirk Cousins didn’t forget how to play quarterback. He just didn’t do it well enough often enough to keep his job in Atlanta. Don’t write off the veteran just yet. There’s no sugarcoating the way Cousins played over the past five games. He struggled mightily,...

Pro Picks: Eagles will cruise past the Commanders and Seahawks will upset the Vikings

Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here. ___ The setup for two Christmas Day games means two games on Saturday in Week 16. They’ll be potential...

Falcons' Cousins says he 'didn't forget how to play quarterback' after losing starting job to Penix

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Kirk Cousins was signed to a massive four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons because he was perceived to be the missing piece at quarterback for a team that otherwise was ready for a return to the playoffs. Cousins lost his starting job to rookie Michael...

Drew Lock is expected back at QB when the Giants face the Falcons

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — After sitting out a game with an injury to his left heel, Drew Lock is expected back at quarterback when the New York Giants face the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday. Coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday that Lock has recovered and will start when the Giants...

Falcons name rookie Michael Penix Jr. as starting QB, benching veteran Kirk Cousins

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are turning to rookie Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and benching veteran Kirk Cousins as they fight for their first playoff berth since 2017. Coach Raheem Morris announced the decision in a statement Tuesday night. ...

Falcons turn to Penix at QB as they try to keep NFC South title hopes alive

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta is a contender in the weak NFC South despite another shaky performance from quarterback Kirk Cousins that led the Falcons to bench him in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. An ugly 15-9 win at the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night moved the Falcons to 7-7, one...

Atlanta Falcons name Michael Penix Jr. starting quarterback, benching veteran Kirk Cousins

Pierce's future with Raiders remains uncertain, but there are reasons to bring him back

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Mark Davis left plenty of gray area regarding Raiders coach Antonio Pierce's status when asked by reporters at last week’s NFL owners meeting. Davis at the time said he didn't want to discuss the subject, though he noted that Pierce and general manager Tom...