Penix wins debut as Atlanta QB as Falcons return two picks for TDs, beat hapless Giants 34-7
Michael Penix Jr. won his debut as Atlanta’s starting quarterback, thanks largely to a defense that returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns to hand the hapless New York Giants their franchise-record 10th straight loss, 34-7
By PAUL NEWBERRY
Published - Dec 22, 2024, 05:55 PM ET
Last Updated - Dec 22, 2024, 05:55 PM EST
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 returned two interceptions for touchdowns Sunday in a 34-7 rout of the New York Giants that bolstered Atlanta's playoff hopes.
“It’s the game I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old," the 24-year-old rookie said. “Obviously it’s different, it’s at a higher level, but you know it’s the same game. I've just got to go out there and execute. Once we hit the field, I was good.”
