Michael Penix learns fate after Atlanta Falcons benched quarterback for Kirk Cousins in Panthers blowout

Michael Penix Jr.'s job security as the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is not in danger, as head coach Raheem Morris stuck behind the second-year player after he was benched on Sunday. 

During the Falcons' embarrassing 30-0 to their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers, Morris put Kirk Cousins into the game after Penix threw two interceptions. 

Yet, the man that Penix replaced as the Falcons starter last year in Week 15, will not usurp the the 25-year-old. 

'We're not even close to that with Mike. He had a bad day. We had a bad day,' Morris said. 'Mike is our quarterback. We got a lot of confidence in Mike. We're moving forward with Mike. Mike's the guy.'

Penix has not thrown a touchdown to a wide receiver or tight end through three weeks of the NFL season, with the Falcons offense only scoring one touchdown in its last two games. 

Talk about moving back to Cousins came with other changes in the Falcons organization, including the firing of wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard on Tuesday.

Hilliard getting the ouster appears to be a proactive move instead of letting problems compound, as more than just the former wide receiver's coach can be to blame for Atlanta's 2025 problems.  

Atlanta's offensive passing game coordinator T.J. Yates will take over Hilliard's responsibilities, while Morris has announced other changes to the team's structure. 

Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will move from the coach's box to the field to call plays for the first time since arriving with the Falcons. 

The Falcons will have a tough test in Week 4 to right the ship, as they will face one of the best teams in the NFC, the Washington Commanders, who defeated Atlanta last season in one of Penix's first games as a starting quarterback.  

Cousins reign as QB1 lasted 14 games, or nearly $13million per start from the 4-year, $180million contract he signed. Cousins led the Falcons to a 7-7 record.