ATLANTA — Michael Penix Jr. completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards in his first career start, helping the Atlanta Falcons post a 34-7 rout of the visiting New York Giants on Sunday.
With the win and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ road loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, the Falcons (8-7) sit atop the NFC South by virtue of its season sweep of Tampa Bay (8-7).
Penix, who was named starter following Kirk Cousins’ benching, also threw an interception. Bijan Robinson ran 22 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns, as the Falcons (8-7) won their second straight following a four-game losing streak. Darnell Mooney had five receptions for 82 yards, while Jessie Bates III and Matthew Judon each returned interceptions for touchdowns.
For New York (2-13), Drew Lock completed 22 of 39 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions, as the Giants dropped their 10th straight game — setting a franchise record. Malik Nabers hauled in seven passes for 68 yards.
Leading 17-7, the Falcons pushed their advantage to three scores on the second play of the third quarter, as Zach Harrison deflected Lock’s pass into Judon’s hands, who returned it 27 yards for Atlanta’s second pick-six.
Following the Giants’ three-and-out, Atlanta tacked on with a 12-play, 69-yard drive, stamped with Robinson’s 2-yard rushing touchdown at the 7:14 mark of the third quarter, extending the Falcons’ advantage to 31-7.
Newly-signed kicker Riley Patterson’s 37-yard field goal capped the game’s scoring with 10:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.
After Atlanta’s opening drive ended with Patterson’s missed 43-yard field goal, each team traded punts.
The Giants then ate 8:12 of clock during a 14-play, 70-yard scoring drive, capped with Lock’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the first play of the second quarter.
Atlanta’s first scoring drive was highlighted by Penix’s 22-yard pass to Mooney on the first play, before the drive was halted at New York’s 34-yard line. Patterson then connected on a 52-yard field goal, cutting the Giants’ lead to 7-3.
The Falcons took their first lead minutes later, when Bates intercepted Lock’s pass and returned it 55 yards for Atlanta’s first touchdown with 7:56 left in the second quarter.
Following New York’s punt, Penix led a nine-play, 86-yard scoring drive that ended with Robinson’s 4-yard rushing score to extend Atlanta’s lead to 17-7.
After Kaden Elliss’ sack forced Lock’s fumble, Atlanta’s Arnold Ebiketie recovered the ball on New York’s 31. Atlanta advanced to New York’s 7-yard line, where Penix’s pass bounced off Kyle Pitts’ hands and was intercepted by Cor’Dale Flott.
–Jack Batten, Field Level Media
