Michael Penix Jr. sparks a turnaround for Atlanta
After a difficult opening two weeks, the Falcons scored five touchdowns on their final six non-kneel possessions against New Orleans.
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 45-24 on the road on October 5, 2026, with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback. The NFL reported that Atlanta scored touchdowns on five of its final six non-kneel possessions.
The performance continued a sharp contrast with the Falcons’ first two games, when Cooper Rush started. Atlanta averaged 8.0 points and 262 yards per game in that span, with seven turnovers, according to the NFL.
A marked change in the numbers
Since Penix entered the lineup, the Falcons have averaged 40 points and 459 yards per game across two games, while recording one turnover, the NFL reported.
Atlanta has won its last two games by at least 20 points. The NFL said it was the first time the team had won consecutive games by that margin since Weeks 14 and 15 of 2016, and the first time in franchise history it had won consecutive road games by 20 or more.
Penix’s role in the offense
The NFL report credited Penix with getting Atlanta into the right plays and making accurate throws when the team needed to move the chains. It also described greater use of under-center and play-action work in the offense led by head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Running backs Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson accounted for five rushing touchdowns against New Orleans. The report highlighted Penix’s passing as a key part of the offense’s improvement.
A tougher stretch ahead
The NFL report said the Falcons’ next three opponents were the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers. Whether Atlanta can sustain its recent production will be tested against that run of opponents.
Newsroom
The NFL’s account of Atlanta’s win points to a two-game change in production since Penix took over at quarterback, with a demanding schedule next.
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NFL
Official source · 06/10/2026 11:29
