The Penix-London connection leads Atlanta’s 17th-ranked passing offense by a considerable margin with the wideout producing 60 receptions for 810 yards and six touchdowns. The Falcons’ next leading pass-catcher who lines up on the line of scrimmage is tight end Kyle Pitts, who’s generated 47 receptions for 434 yards and one score. Darnell Mooney’s 16 catches for 224 yards is second among Atlanta’s wideouts.
While running back Bijan Robinson is the straw that stirs Atlanta’s offensive output — third in the NFL with 1,289 scrimmage yards (783 rushing, 506 receiving) — the Falcons look markedly different with veteran backup Kirk Cousins under center.
Cousins completed 6 of 14 passes for 48 yards and led two field goal drives in Sunday’s overtime loss against the Panthers. In his previous start one month ago, the 37-year-old went 21-of-31 passing for 173 yards in a 34-10 defeat to the Dolphins.
In his first season as the starter, Penix has shown flashes of great efficiency 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. don’t get off to a good start.
Circling the drain amid a disappointing 2025 season, the Falcons (3-7) are limping into Sunday’s rivalry game in New Orleans.
