Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. receives praise from former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Michael Penix Jr. will be the breakout QB of the Year in the NFL this year.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 16, 2025
After several mediocre seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have a real shot to turn things around in 2025. While we’ve seen this team compete for the NFC South title in recent years, Atlanta hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017.
Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will be at the helm of whatever success the Falcons have this season. The former No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft started just three games for Atlanta last season but will enter 2025 as the team’s unquestioned starter.
Despite Penix’s lack of experience, former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Robert Griffin III believes the Falcons quarterback is on the verge of a “breakout” season.
Griffin, or “RGIII” as most know him as, noted Penix’s arm talent and ability to stand in the pocket in the face of the pass rush. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year believes these traits give Penix a solid foundation to build around as a quarterback.
We’ve seen many great college quarterbacks struggle to adjust to the pass rush at the NFL level. Griffin noted Penix’s impressive average of 17.3 yards per completion when under pressure last season.
Michael Penix Jr. will show off his ELITE arm talent, downfield throwing ability and anticipation this year.
But his 3 starts last year showed he isn’t afraid of the NFL pass rush.
Penix Jr. led the NFL with 17.3 yards/completion when under pressure.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 17, 2025
Griffin’s comments come on the heels of praise also given by a former Falcons quarterback, Kurt Benkert, as he predicts Penix will break 5,000 all-purpose yards. Considering he isn’t known for using his legs to get down field, a large portion of that would likely have to come through the air.
It’s not just Penix’s talent that has those around the NFL buying in. The young signal-caller’s supporting cast should truly give him a chance to succeed this season. Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Darnell Mooney will present matchup problems for any opposing defense.
Plus, fifth-year tight end Kyle Pitts is not someone to sleep on this season. Penix will be Pitts’ fifth starting quarterback since joining the Falcons in 2021. So while a lot of people are quick to hammer the 24-year-old for not consistently putting up Pro Bowl numbers, having consistent quarterback play could be all he needs to succeed.