Atlanta Falcons seek turnaround with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. starting
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 10:08 AM
Last updated Sep 24, 2026

The Atlanta Falcons are set to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football as they look to recover from an 0-2 start. With the league's worst point differential at -38, the Falcons are experiencing significant struggles on offense, scoring only 16 points so far and failing to reach the red zone. Michael Penix Jr. will make his first start since November 2025, taking over for Cooper Rush, who has the league's lowest passer rating. Penix's performance could be pivotal in determining whether the Falcons can salvage their season.
- •Falcons are 0-2 with the worst point differential in the league.
- •Michael Penix Jr. starts after recovering from multiple knee injuries.
- •Cooper Rush struggled as the starting quarterback with five turnovers.
- •Atlanta's offense has yet to score a touchdown in the red zone.
- •The team is under pressure with prime-time games scheduled.
- 10:08 AMYahoo Sports — The NFL's biggest mess is headed to prime time. Can a QB fix the Falcons?
"The Falcons have been a mess through an 0-2 start, posting the league's worst point differential. Can Michael Penix Jr. salvage the season?
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