Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. named starter over veteran Kirk Cousins

The Atlanta Falcons will start rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons will start rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. over veteran Kirk Cousins for the rest of the season, the team announced Tuesday.

“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward," head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. "This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

At 7-7, Atlanta is two games out of the final NFC wild-card spot.

Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons passes against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday.Candice Ward / Getty ImagesAfter having begun the season 6-3, the Falcons have lost four of their last five games. Over that stretch, Cousins has nine interceptions and only one touchdown. He leads the NFL with 16 interceptions and is tied for the league lead with 12 fumbles.

Cousins' QBR of 52.7 ranks 22nd in the NFL.

https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/falcons-michael-penix-kirk-cousins-nfl-rcna184625

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