Atlanta has competed in the NFC South race throughout the season, but Cousins struggled in the second half. The 36-year-old threw just one touchdown compared to nine interceptions over a five-game stretch prior to being benched, and the Falcons went 1-4 in those games.

Michael Penix Jr. had a lot on his plate this week. On Sunday, he made his debut as an NFL starter, leading the Atlanta Falcons to a win over the New York Giants. Later in the week, he got engaged. In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday,

What a stretch it has been Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. First, it was announced he'd be taking over for veteran Kirk Cousins after the struggling starting quarterback threw one too many interceptions this season.

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Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced some big personal news on social media this weekend.

It's quite a time to be Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Last Sunday, the 24-year-old rookie signal-caller won his first career start against the New York Giants, 34-7, and days later, became engaged to his girlfriend, Olivia Carter.

The Falcons have Penix set up well with an excellent run game led by Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, good players to throw to like Drake London and Darnell Mooney (and maybe even Kyle Pitts if he can finally put it all together) and a sound offensive line to keep him upright. That will matter as Penix finds himself as an NFL quarterback.

While Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick, has led Washington all season, the Falcons tapped Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick, to be Atlanta's starter last week after the team benched veteran Kirk Cousins.

The Kirk Cousins fiasco for the Atlanta Falcons led to a $180 million decision, and the winner was Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons. So far.

Penix, the former Washington Huskies standout, was named the Falcons starter in Week 16, replacing veteran Kirk Cousins, who struggled for more than a month. Penix was picked No.