The Atlanta Falcons are beginning a new era on Sunday, as rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make his first NFL start on Sunday vs. the New York Giants. Atlanta is benching veteran Kirk Cousins with the NFC South in the balance,

Cousins, who is in the first season of a four-year, $180 million contract that included $90 million guaranteed at signing, was benched by the Falcons on Tuesday.

After being benched earlier this week, Kirk Cousins' stint with the Atlanta Falcons will barely last 12 months. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cousins and