Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are set to start first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr., following a challenging season for QB Kirk Cousins. Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has praised Penix’s composure under pressure.

“His heart beats very slow, which is a good thing,” Robinson stated, as reported by Josh Kendall of The Athletic. “I don’t think anyone will need to remind Mike to stay calm. He is as cool as they come.”

Penix acknowledged that while he anticipates some nerves during his first start, he is confident he will rise to the occasion when the game begins.

“I won’t lie; I’ll feel nervous running out of that tunnel, but once I’m on the field, it’s a whole different mentality,” Penix said. “It’s a flipped switch, and I’m ready to go. I’m going to be prepared.”

Cousins believes that his physical ability is not the main factor behind his recent underperformance and attributes it to decision-making issues.

“It’s more about decision-making than any physical limitations,” Cousins expressed. “I didn’t forget how to play quarterback. The turnovers aren’t what you want, but I certainly haven’t forgotten how to play. … The story is still being written. You just continue to take it one day at a time, and someday, you will look back with a better understanding to tell the story.”

• In a related note, the Falcons’ pass game specialist Chandler Whitmer has been named the QB coach/co-offensive coordinator at Indiana University. (Pete Thamel)

Panthers

This season, Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard has excelled, leading to a new contract and increased workload as the team’s primary running back. Hubbard shared insights into how he prepares to manage a heavy load, even when fatigue sets in during December games.

“That’s just part of being a running back,” Hubbard explained, according to Darin Gantt of the team’s website. “You’re going to take hits on almost every play; it’s part of the job. I try to take care of my body so that when we reach the fourth quarter, I’m still ahead of the curve. I’m definitely tired, but overall, I feel great.”

Carolina offensive coordinator Brad Idzik elaborated on Hubbard’s dedication, noting how challenging it can be to convince him to take a break.

“He trains hard to prepare himself,” Idzik stated. “He’s one of the first guys to arrive in the offseason, getting his body ready for a heavy workload. Throughout the season, he’s become more versatile in various schemes, so we have no concerns about his workload.”

“He’s the type of player who will insist on staying in the game, saying, ‘No coach, I’m fine.’ A couple of weeks ago in Philadelphia, when we lost several running backs, Chuba was determined to stay in the game at all costs. We commend his willingness to take every snap.”

Saints

In injury news, Saints RB Alvin Kamara left the Week 15 game with a groin injury and did not return. New Orleans interim head coach Darren Rizzi disclosed that the injury is more serious than initially anticipated, which may result in a multi-week recovery.

“Alvin’s situation is a bit more significant than we first believed. He’s currently week-to-week. Honestly, it doesn’t look promising for this week,” Rizzi remarked, via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “We’ll have to see if it extends beyond this week.”