Baker Mayfield Shares Advice for Bucs' Rival Rookie QB

The Atlanta Falcons have made one of the more desperate late-season plays in recent NFL history, benching veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in place of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. 

This move comes amid the team's push for a playoff spot, trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a game for the lead in the NFC South. Atlanta snapped a four-game losing streak Monday night, but Cousins led a futile effort in a 15-9 victory over the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. 

Penix Jr., a controversial first-round selection of the Falcons back in April, will now take the reigns for his first NFL start Sunday against the New York Giants. Usually, a rookie quarterback gets the nod under less dire circumstances, but this is a must-win for the 7-7 Falcons. 

Having experienced those first-game jitters, Bucs' quarterback Baker Mayfield shared some advice for Penix Jr. 

"It's always a tough deal. I learned a lot behind Tyrod Taylor and Drew Stanton, just trying to take in as much information as possible and that's the most important part... you have to support each other in that room. 

"Different look this late in the year for him to be thrown into it, but there's a lot on the line for them. Just take it all in, and trust yourself... don't trust yourself too much because we're still trying to make the playoffs. 

Mayfield's humorous reminder does bring to mind the impact from the Bucs' point of view. They have three favorable matchups down the stretch against non-playoff contenders, so staying on task is highly important. 

Concerning the Giants, they are a favorable opponent selection for a player like Penix Jr. being thrust into such circumstances. This is a gamble for the Falcons to reinvigorate their team in the closing weeks and it very well could pay off. 

Atlanta owns two wins over the Bucs, meaning Tampa Bay must stay ahead of their rival to maintain their ground in the chase for the NFC South crown. With complete control of their destiny, there is no room for mistakes, starting Sunday night when the Bucs visit the Dallas Cowboys.