Falcons Routed 30-0 by Panthers; Penix Benched

The Atlanta Falcons were routed 30-0 by the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, and starter Michael Penix Jr. was benched late for veteran Kirk Cousins. Penix finished 18-of-36 for 172 yards with two interceptions, including a pick-six, and enters Week 4 with one touchdown and 433 passing yards on the season. Cousins completed 5-of-7 passes for 29 yards in his first appearance of 2025 but could not spark a comeback. Head coach Raheem Morris said he pulled Penix because the game was out of hand and insisted Penix remains the team's starter; the team has received no trade inquiries about Cousins. In response to the shutout, Morris fired wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, moved T.J. Yates to coach the receivers, and will have offensive coordinator Zac Robinson call plays from the field. The Falcons (1-2) will try to rebound at home next Sunday against the Washington Commanders amid receiver injuries and reported headset problems during the game.