Unfortunately for Atlanta Falcons fans, Week 7’s edition of Sunday Night Football did not go so well for them; the Falcons fell 20-10 to the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers scored 10 points in the second quarter and didn’t let up. San Francisco then scored three points in the third and a final seven in the fourth. 49ers quarterback Michael Penix Jr. could’ve had a better night at Levi’s Stadium — he only had 21 completions on 38 attempts.
What Do Fans Want Done About Michael Penix Jr.’s QB Play?
Penix also only accomplished six yards across two carries on the ground game, in addition to only throwing for one touchdown.
Fans did not take too kindly to the SNF showing from the signal-caller.
“Time to go back to Kirk Cousins,” one fan said.
Time to go back to Kirk Cousins.
— Matt Matt (@sailinyogi1) October 20, 2025
“Horrible I do believe Kirk cousins wouldve got them atleast in field goal range,” another said.
Horrible I do believe Kirk cousins wouldve got them atleast in field goal range https://t.co/z9AnAvawn2
— GM (@qua10k) October 20, 2025
Veteran QB Kirk Cousins was previously benched in favor of Penix. The decision came after Cousins was handed a massive four-year, $180 million deal, featuring $100 million guaranteed. However, this deal ended up being a sort of downfall for Cousins — he was benched in favor of Penix 15 weeks into the 2024 season after his play didn’t justify the price tag.
“Penix can only throw out of bounds or into the dirt… Kirk cousins should get his start next week,” said another league fan.
“Kirk Cousins should have never been benched,” said another fan on X.
Kirk Cousins should have never been benched
— JUUGO (@whosejuugo) October 20, 2025
Penix concluded 2024 with a 58.1% completion percentage and a 47.6 QBR. Cousins, 37, has seen a whopping career total of 43,008 passing yards in addition to 307 total touchdowns.
“How can the Atlanta Falcons possibly think Michael penix can possibly give them a better chance to win than Kirk cousins,” one fan asked. “The kid is so inaccurate it’s horrible.”
How can the @AtlantaFalcons possibly think Michael penix can possibly give them a better chance to win than Kirk cousins? The kid is so inaccurate it’s horrible
— NJG009 (@njg009) October 20, 2025
“Michael Penix isnt that good man … Falcons would have a better shot with Kirk Cousins at the helm,” one fan added.
Penix has an overall QB Impact Score of 73.0 according to PFSN’s NFL QB Impact metric.
“Get Michael Penix out of the league. Put Kirk cousins in,” a final fan said.
Penix, 25, was originally selected by Atlanta as the No. 8 overall back in the 2024 NFL Draft following his college days with Washington. Standing at 6’3″, he concluded the night against San Francisco by throwing for one touchdown and 241 yards.