Overview

• Atlanta sat Michael Penix Jr. with the team trailing 27-0, and Kirk Cousins entered with just under 11 minutes left, according to Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney.
• Penix went 18-of-36 for 172 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns before being replaced.
• Cousins completed five of his first seven passes in relief before an unsuccessful fourth-down attempt ended the drive.
• The Falcons came in 1-1 and fell to 1-2 with the blowout loss to Carolina.
• Reporting presented the change as situational rather than a shift in the depth chart, and some noted a competent cameo could help Cousins’ trade value.