The Atlanta Falcons looked like they could be a dominant team in the NFC after handling the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, beating them 22-6. But the momentum didn’t last, as the Falcons came crashing back to Earth after suffering a 30-0 defeat to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday.

Michael Penix, Jr., making his sixth career start, completed only 18 of 36 passes for 172 yards, throwing two interceptions. He was replaced late in the game by Kirk Cousins, whom Penix replaced last year with three games remaining in the season.

Could the Falcons permanently replace Penix with Cousins? Atlanta used the eighth-overall pick in last year’s draft to select Penix. But that was only one month after they signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal.

Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports believes the Falcons should consider it after Penix’s slow start to the season.

This was Penix’s first multiple interception game in the NFL, but he hasn’t been good in his three games this season — completing just 58.6% of his passes for a 78.3 rating. 

Penix will likely get the start next week, but they should give the $180 million backup an opportunity to win his job back — more than a full year after rupturing his Achilles. Cousins may give the Falcons a spark on offense, which they really haven’t had all year. 

Penix has only completed 58 of 99 passes for 605 yards, one touchdown, and two picks this season. Even Atlanta’s win over Minnesota was spearheaded by a ground game that accumulated 218 yards and a defense that suffocated the Vikings.

But what kind of message would that send inside the building? Cousins wasn’t thrilled about backing Penix up throughout the offseason, and although he’d welcome the opportunity to start again, Penix would likely not be thrilled with the decision.

Not that he should be, as all players are disappointed to be benched. But most quarterback rooms don’t have proven veterans making $180 million backing up a top-10 draft pick.

Atlanta will likely stick with Penix. But for how long? And will a change at quarterback cause a rift in the locker room?