How badly does embattled Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson want to avoid any semblance of a quarterback controversy? It’s fair to say he would go to great lengths.

How about being down 30 points to a division rival you were supposed to stomp and, rather than letting backup quarterback Kirk Cousins move the ball in garbage time to score, you call seven straight running plays for your third-string running back in the final four minutes? Sunday’s ominous 30-0 defeat to the Carolina Panthers came after second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. looked uncomfortable and unsettled again — before he watched the final quarter from the bench after his pick-six cemented the outcome. And this Falcons stumble comes during the rare season in which Atlanta seems to have a potent running game and a defense with at least a little bite.