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Kirk Cousins reacts to Michael Penix Jr.'s start to 2025 season

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones10/02/25brianjones_93
Atlanta Falcons QBs Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins loves what he has seen from Michael Penix Jr. in the first four games of the 2025 NFL season. On3 recently spoke to Cousins about Penix, who took over as the Falcons’ starting QB late last year. Cousins believes that Penix will continue to improve as the season progresses

“We’re in the quarterback room together every day, so there’s always discussion and we’re always asking each other questions and just trying to learn, and that quarterback room is always a working force together for one another,” Kirk Cousins told On3. “I think Michael’s done an outstanding job, even going back to last year, of getting caught up to speed and being ready to go. I think he did well in his role last year, and I think he’s doing well to start this season, and he’s just going to keep building as we move forward.”

Through four games this year, Michael Penix Jr. has completed 62.4 percent of his passes for 918 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions with an 82.7 passer rating and a 2-2 record. The Washington Huskies alum had his best game of the season last weekend, throwing for 313 yards and two touchdowns and one interception in the Falcons’ 34-27 victory over the Washington Commanders.

More on Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.

In 2024, Penix took over for Kirk Cousins late in the season. He played in five games overall and threw for 775 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. In seven career starts, Penix has posted a 3-4 record, but two of those losses came in overtime, where he and the Falcons offense didn’t get the ball.

Cousins and Penix joined the Falcons last year. During the offseason, the Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. The team then selected Penix in the first round (No. 8 overall) in the draft.

In 14 starts last year, Cousins threw for 3,508 yards, with 18 touchdowns and an NFL-leading 16 interceptions. The thought was that the Falcons were going to trade Cousins before the start of the season since he’s carrying a lot of cap space as a backup QB. That still could happen as the trade deadline is a month away (Nov. 4), but in the meantime, Cosuins will continue to support Penix, who is trying to lead the Falcons to their first playoff appearance since 2017.