The Penix-London connection leads Atlanta’s 17th-ranked passing offense by a considerable margin as the wideout hauled in 60 receptions for 810 yards and six touchdowns. The Falcons’ next-leading pass rusher lining up on the line of scrimmage is tight end Kyle Pitts, who has 47 receptions for 434 yards and one score. Darnell Mooney’s 16 catches for 224 yards are second-most among Atlanta wide receivers.
While running back Bijan Robinson is the driving force behind Atlanta’s offense — third in the NFL with 1,289 scrimmage yards (783 rushing, 506 receiving) — the Falcons look dramatically different with veteran backup Kirk Cousins under center.
Cousins completed 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards and led two drives in overtime Sunday against the Panthers. In his previous start a month ago, the 37-year-old completed 21 of 31 passes for 173 yards in a 34-10 loss to the Dolphins.
In his first season as a starter, Penix has been very efficient with 1,982 yards and a 9-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, but the Falcons consistently leave points on the field, struggle to win close games and often get blown out if Penix and Co. do not start well.
The Falcons (3-7) are limping into Sunday’s playoff game in New Orleans, circling the drain in the middle of a disappointing 2025 season.