Falcons’ massive win over the Giants reveals unexpected heroes and shocking disappointments. Who rose to the occasion, and who fell short?

The Falcons delivered the kind of performance they desperately needed in Week 16, dominating the New York Giants in a 34-7 victory. With a change at quarterback, many wanted to see a more fluid offensive attack, and that’s exactly what we saw in Michael Penix Jr.’s first NFL start.

The offense moved the ball well, the defense scored two touchdowns, and the team officially got back in the playoff hunt. There are numerous studs from Sunday’s 27-point win over the Giants, but one undeniable dud. Check out this week’s studs and duds below:

STUD: Bijan Robinson

Atlanta leans on Robinson each week and the results are consistently impressive. Only two other running backs have more yards from scrimmage than Bijan Robinson this season –Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. The Falcons have one of the league’s best backfields and it’s headlined by Robinson. Against the Giants, he rushed for 94 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, while also adding another nine yards through the air. He continues to hit milestones, topping 3,000 yards from scrimmage in Week 17.

DUD: Kyle Pitts

It seems the buzz around Kyle Pitts has dipped to an all-time low. The former first-round selection hasn’t met the expectations cast upon him from the start and hasn’t done much to quiet the naysayers over the last few weeks. Pitts dropped a ball that he then tipped into the arms of a Giants defender for Penix’s only turnover. The 24-year-old needs to become a more consistent threat if he’s ever going to reach his potential. As a tight end, the stats won’t always be there but Pitts’ second-quarter miscue probably cost the Falcons a touchdown.

STUD: Entire Falcons defense

It wouldn’t be fair to outline one or two guys on defense as the entire unit made critical plays at different points of the game. Jessie Bates took a Drew Lock pass in the other direction while Zach Harrison and Matthew Judon’s combined efforts turned into a second pick-six. Not to mention, Kaden Elliss recorded a sack-fumble, and both Arnold Ebiketie and Matthew Judon brought down Lock for sacks. It was a complete team effort on defense and Atlanta nearly held the Giants scoreless.

STUD: QB Michael Penix Jr.

Penix showed the kind of poise and arm talent that made Atlanta fall in love with him during the pre-draft process. The team rallied around the young quarterback and despite his average stat line — 202 passing yards, zero touchdowns and one interception — Penix put the ball on the money and kept the chains moving all afternoon. His only miscue came on the Pitts drop/tip, which led to Atlanta’s only turnover of the day. “He went out and played almost flawless football,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said of Penix.

STUD: Darnell Mooney

Darnell Mooney seemed to be the biggest beneficiary from the change at quarterback in Week 16. The 27-year-old didn’t record a single reception a week ago, but this time he led the team in receiving yards and connected with Penix for multiple big plays. Mooney ended the afternoon tied with London for a team-high five receptions but outpaced his fellow receiver with 82 receiving yards to lead Atlanta. For the season, Mooney has 62 catches for 955 receiving yards and five touchdowns.