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Falcons name Michael Penix Jr. starter vs Packers

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 2:38 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Falcons Name Penix

The Atlanta Falcons named Michael Penix Jr. starter for Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers.
Penix returned after a torn ACL and ten months of rehab, cleared for full-team drills.
Cooper Rush was benched after two games producing 86 yards, two interceptions and a fumble.
Bijan Robinson led the offense with 11 catches for 99 yards and one touchdown.

Summary

Falcons Earn F

Fans booed and chanted “We want Jack” as the Falcons struggled early against the Panthers.
Wide receiver Drake London was captured threatening a fan, later apologizing and taking accountability.
CBS Sports gave the Falcons an “F” grade after the 34-3 loss, calling the offense a top loser.
The Falcons posted a –38 scoring differential, the worst mark in the NFL after two games.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, the Atlanta Falcons, coached by Dan Reeves, drafted quarterback Michael Vick and posted a 14-2 regular-season record, reaching Super Bowl XXXIII. Vick threw for 2,727 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, while the team averaged 28.5 points per game, the league’s third-highest. Today's Falcons, installing rookie Michael Penix Jr. after his ACL injury, sit behind the Green Bay Packers with a –38 differential, mirroring 1999’s quarterback instability. The 1999 turnaround taught that decisive quarterback investment can reshape franchise fortunes, suggesting Atlanta must stabilize the position to reverse its current decline.

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Falcons Name Penix

The Atlanta Falcons named Michael Penix Jr. starter for Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers.
Penix returned after a torn ACL and ten months of rehab, cleared for full-team drills.
Cooper Rush was benched after two games producing 86 yards, two interceptions and a fumble.
Bijan Robinson led the offense with 11 catches for 99 yards and one touchdown.

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