Michael Penix Jr. reacts to being named starting quarterback

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The smile on Michael Penix Jr.’s face was the only thing that betrayed his excitement.

Otherwise, the rookie appeared cool, calm and collected in his first press conference as starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday evening. His voice continued throughout the 15-minute question-and-answer session. He barely laughed when he admitted he was standing in line for a hot dog at Costco when Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson called him with the promotion the night before.

“I have a lot of feelings,” Penix said. “I don’t know what it is, but I’m just ready to play.”

It was announced late Tuesday that Penix will be the Falcons’ starting quarterback on Sunday against the New York Giants (1 p.m. ET, FOX). Kirk Cousins ​​will be a backup for the first time in a decade.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said the main reason for the decision was Cousins’ increase in turnovers over the last month. Cousins ​​understood the decision and even called Penix after having the conversation with Morris.

“I just let him know that I’m on his side and supporting him and trying to help him in any way I can,” Cousins ​​said. “The quarterback room when I play is a workforce that helps all of us, and it’s the same thing now. That doesn’t change.”

That may not be the case, but there have already been other notable changes.

When discussing film, coaches now turn first to Penix rather than Cousins ​​when discussing things like what he sees and prefers in a particular route.

The first training session also took place on Wednesday, during which Penix worked exclusively with the first team’s offense. The unit played about 70 games.

Penix took everything calmly.

“His heart is just beating really slowly, which is good,” Robinson said. “He has a lot of poise, which makes him a good player. He even brings up a few things in the meeting room. And once you’re the guy in the huddle, you’re in control. He did.” He did well today and he will continue to improve as the week goes on.

The Falcons’ first full practice of Week 16 will take place on Thursday. Penix and Robinson expect to spend additional time on the field afterward, particularly with the receivers, to further support the transition of power.

But not out of concern.

“I just have to be myself,” Penix said. “I don’t feel like I have to be someone else. I don’t have to try too hard to be the big leader, the loud leader. Just be myself. Trust my preparation and bring everyone with me.”

From the moment he arrived in Atlanta as the No. 8 overall draft pick, Penix has assured that no matter the situation, he will always go about his day-to-day business as if he were the starter. He knew that Cousins ​​originally filled that role. He also knew that no one should ever follow him when that was no longer the case.

Technically, Sunday will not be Penix’s NFL debut. He previously appeared in two games – the Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and the Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos – in what Robinson described as mop-up duty. He played 20 total snaps and completed three of his five passes for 38 yards.

What makes Sunday different and special is the start in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m going to be nervous running out of that tunnel,” Penix said. “But whenever I step on the pitch it’s a completely different mentality, a switch being flipped. I’m ready to go.”