The Atlanta Falcons can’t seem to escape quarterback drama. One week it’s about development, the next it’s about damage control, and Sunday’s shutout loss only turned up the heat. The 30–0 defeat against the Carolina Panthers didn’t just drop Atlanta to 1-2. It reignited questions about Michael Penix Jr.’s readiness and Kirk Cousins’ role moving forward.

In his third start of the season, Penix looked overwhelmed, completing just 18 of 36 passes for 172 yards and throwing two interceptions, including a deflating third-quarter pick-six. Head coach Raheem Morris benched him in the fourth quarter, sending in veteran Kirk Cousins with Atlanta trailing 27-0. Cousins went 5-for-7 for 29 yards in limited action.

Cousins, who inked a four-year, $180 million contract last March, st

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