Kurt Benkert is predicting big things for Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. this season
After a year of quarterback controversy, the Atlanta Falcons are moving forward with Michael Penix Jr. as their starter. Kirk Cousins may still be on the roster, but Penix is the team’s undisputed QB1 going into the 2025 NFL season.
Despite having just three starts under his belt, many are expecting big things from the former No. 8 overall pick. Penix has an elite arm and one of the better supporting casts in the league. Wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson each finished top-five in yards at their respective positions.
So what exactly should fans expect from Penix in his first year starting?
Former NFL QB predicts 5,000-yard season for Penix
Former Falcons quarterback Kurt Benkert, who signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent in 2018, is extremely high on Penix as he enters Year 2. Benkert said Penix is his dark horse QB1 candidate in 2025, and predicted a 5,000-yard season for the young QB.
“5k all purpose (rushing & passing),” clarified Benkert. “If not this year, I think he can do it over the next 2-3 seasons.”
Penix appeared in five games last season (three starts), passing for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. On paper, those numbers aren’t anything special, but on the field, he was truly special to watch.
The young quarterback’s ability to quickly dissect defenses and distribute the ball on time are traits we don’t normally associate with rookies. In his three starts, Penix averaged 245.6 passing yards per contest last season. If applied to a full 17-game season, that would equate to 4,175 total passing yards.
The former Washington standout came into the league as one of the more pro-ready QB prospects, but he still had to wait nearly a full season to show what he could do. Not that the Falcons have taken the training wheels off, the sky is the limit for Penix in 2025.