Michael Penix Jr. has largely made the most of his three NFL starts, with several now questioning why the Falcons didn’t bench Kirk Cousins earlier in the season. But hindsight is 20/20, and it’s clear things are on the right track at the quarterback position.

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has started the last two games for the Atlanta Falcons after the team decided to bench veteran Kirk Cousins following some rough losses and turnovers. Cousins has shown nothing but respect to Penix ever since being benched,

Atlanta has competed in the NFC South race throughout the season, but Cousins struggled in the second half. The 36-year-old threw just one touchdown compared to nine interceptions over a five-game stretch prior to being benched, and the Falcons went 1-4 in those games.