FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has announced the starting quarterback change heading into Sunday’s game against the New York Giants in Week 16.

Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been named the starting quarterback, according to a statement by the team.

“After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward,” head coach Raheem Morris said in the statement. “This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.”

This comes a day after veteran quarterback Kurt Cousins finished 11-of-17 passing for 112 yards with one touchdown and an interception in a 15-9 win over the hapless Las Vegas Raiders (2-12).

“If you believe in a quarterback, you have to take him,” general manager Terry Fontenot said after the Falcons selected Penix No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Cousins entered with no touchdown passes and eight interceptions over his previous four starts. He has thrown for 3,508 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions during the 2024 regular season so far.

The win over the Raiders ended the Falcons’ four-game losing streak. The Falcons (7-7) have games against the Washington Commanders, Panthers, and Saints to close out the regular season.

If they want to win the NFC South, they must finish with a better record than the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who finish with games against the Cowboys, Panthers, and Saints to close out the season.

If the Falcons and Buccaneers finish with identical records, the Falcons would win the division based on the head-to-head tie breakers. The Falcons beat the Buccaneers in both matchups this season with a 36-30 win, and a 31-26 win respectively.