A roller coaster would be an understatement. But the Atlanta Falcons had subpar quarterback play in 2025. This is the second consecutive season where they went 8-9. Many experts have mentioned that the offense was missing the main ingredient to win. But with both quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., on the team, there is hope.

Penix Jr. entered the season as the starter and showed elite ball security. This was shown by his stellar interception percentage (1.1%), which was the lowest in the NFL. However, his season ended abruptly in Week 11 when he tore the ACL in his left knee.

Backup Kirk Cousins took over after Penix Jr’s predicament, and although he led the team to a 5-3 record, the offense was still inconsistent. This was visibly noticed after a brutal loss to Miami in which the Falcons recorded just 213 yards of total offense.

How Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Elevate Atlanta’s Ceiling

However, there were some good things. Despite the middling record, the quarterback unit was actually quite effective in scoring position. The Atlanta Falcons finished ninth overall in red zone efficiency, converting 62% of their trips for touchdowns. 

Suddenly, the Falcons have a quarterback situation. The team announced that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was coming to Atlanta, which may put Penix Jr’s. future on hold. The quarterback situation is an open competition. Since the Falcons signed Tagovailoa to a one-year deal earlier in the month, the depth chart has shifted. 

So is it going to be Tua or Penix Jr. running the show? Either way, it will redefine their ceiling.

The Case for Tua Starting

Tua Tagovailoa was brought in specifically to compete for the job and provide a veteran presence. Because he is now healthy and participating in the offseason program, he is likely to be the projected starter. 

Penix Jr. is currently questionable for the start of training camp, which will likely see Tagovailoa taking the majority of the starting reps. The quick releases of his throws and middle-of-the-field passing style is a great and natural fit for coach Kevin Stefanski’s time-based offense.

With Cousins out of the picture, Tagovailoa is the only veteran quarterback in the room. His 44-32 record and 2023 Pro Bowl nod give the coaching staff a floor that a rehabbing Penix Jr. cannot provide.

The Case for Penix Jr. Starting

The Atlanta Falcons used the eighth overall pick on Michael Penix Jr. in 2024. Despite the Tua Tagovailoa signing, general manager Ian Cunningham and the front office still view Penix Jr. as the long-term face of the franchise. 

Scouts point to Penix Jr.’s superior arm strength and ability to attack the deep sidelines as traits that give the Falcons’ offense a higher ceiling than Tua’s shorter intermediate-heavy approach. I

It is also worth knowing that this is Penix Jr’s. third ACL recovery (the first two were on his right knee), and he has been vocal about remaining ahead of schedule, aiming for an April return to the field. 

Reflection

While there has been no starter officially named, Cunningham has his eyes on this situation. The quarterback play of the Falcons was full of mixed results. But now they have some elite play from both that could bring Atlanta back up from the NFC South cellar. 

Main Photo: [Dale Zanine] – Imagn Images