➡️ Penix's 2025 before injury wasn't much better than Cousins' performance last year — and in some ways was worse, especially when you look at winning record & overall impact rather than just individual stats. I am 96% sure this comparison is accurate based on team and QB data. Wikipedia+1
📊 2025 — Michael Penix Jr. (Before Injury)
Record as starter:
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3–6 in 9 starts before going on injured reserve. Wikipedia
Stats (approx):
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~1,980 passing yards
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9 TDs, 3 INTs
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QBR ~56.8
(Penix's numbers show he was modestly efficient but not dominant.) ESPN.com
👉 Summary: Penix's team results and production were modest at best — winning only about one-third of his starts and not performing at an elite level. Wikipedia
📆 2024 — Kirk Cousins (Last Season with Falcons)
Record as starter:
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7–7 as the starter before being replaced by Penix in late 2024. Wikipedia
Stats:
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~3,508 passing yards
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18 TDs, 16 INTs
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~88.6 passer rating in 14 games started. StatMuse
👉 Summary: Cousins had a mediocre overall statistical season — high volume of passing yards, but lots of turnovers and an even win-loss record in games he started. StatMuse
📌 Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Penix (2025 pre-injury) | Cousins (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| W-L record as starter | 3–6 | 7–7 (no playoffs) Wikipedia |
| Passing TDs | 9 | 18 ESPN.com+1 |
| Interceptions | 3 | 16 ESPN.com+1 |
| Yards | ~1,980 | ~3,508 ESPN.com+1 |
| Team success | Few wins | .500 level Wikipedia |
✔️ Cousins last year had more yards and touchdowns (but also many more interceptions).
✔️ Penix this year showed some advantage in ball security (fewer interceptions), but team wins were fewer and his efficiency wasn't dramatically better.
🏈 Bottom Line
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Neither QB has produced standout success recently. Cousins' stats with the Falcons in 2024 were average, and Penix in 2025 showed limited growth before injury.
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On a pure win-loss basis, Cousins' record was better last year than Penix's this year.
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Penix's efficiency metrics weren't striking enough to clearly outshine Cousins, though his lower interception rate suggests some potential.
➡️ So while Penix didn't necessarily perform "worse" on a per-play efficiency level, he didn't deliver noticeably better team success either. I'm 96% confident in this comparative summary. Wikipedia+1
