My preliminary response when the Falcons chosen Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth general decide within the 2024 NFL Draft was shock. I wasn’t shocked by the crew wanting Penix, who was my favourite non-Ohio State quarterback to observe throughout the 2023 NCAA season. And I wasn’t shocked by the draft place, given Penix’s ability set. However the resolution to signal Kirk Cousins to a yachtload of assured cash positively raised some questions for me.
That mentioned, I’m a proponent of drafting the quarterback of the longer term and letting them study behind a seasoned veteran earlier than being pushed right into a beginning place. I believe Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco shifted groups’ concepts about what rookie quarterbacks are able to, and we’ve seen loads of guys beginning as rookies who don’t pan out. I got here round rapidly to embrace this two-quarterback state of affairs. If Cousins could possibly be a dependable starter and Penix had the chance to adapt to the velocity of the sport with out the stress of carrying the offense proper out of the gate, that appeared like a win/win to me.
In fact, that’s not what occurred. Cousins wasn’t totally wholesome and ended up getting even much less wholesome because the season went on. Penix was pushed into beginning, and whereas it’s a small pattern measurement, he confirmed sufficient promise to lock up the spot heading into this sesason. So what can we anticipate from the second-year QB with a full offseason to organize to begin?
My buddy and colleague Doug Farrar (you might bear in mind him from his latest Hidden Gems story on The Falcoholic about underrated gamers on the Falcons’ roster this season) lined the expectations for Athlon Sports activities.
Doug’s among the best analysts I do know, and I don’t wish to give away an excessive amount of since you completely ought to learn the article. However listed here are some excessive factors:
- Penix’s “athletic vanity” is a key to each his potential and his success — but it surely is also his downfall. Discovering the steadiness goes to be key for the second-year sign caller. When it really works, it actually works. Working example:
.@AtlantaFalcons OC Zac Robinson on this filthy Michael Penix Jr. landing move to Kyle Pitts: “He is obtained a confidence to throw the ball anyplace he needs on the soccer subject, which is enjoyable.” pic.twitter.com/XYzZ0zYU6W
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 4, 2025
- Penix is crucial and goal in evaluating his personal efficiency, and he brings a veteran perspective regardless of being a second-year participant. “… watching movie with him, he sees the sport so nicely. And the dialog is very easy and fluid. He sees the sport like a veteran quarterback,” Zac Robinson mentioned.
- Cousins and his no-trade clause are nonetheless the elephant within the room. It’s absurd to be paying that a lot for a backup quarterback. But it surely’s trying increasingly like that is perhaps precisely what the Falcons do.
What are your expectations for Penix this 12 months? Scroll down and share your ideas within the feedback.
