Penix has paid his dues and will finally get to show what he can do this season.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had just 108 passing attempts as a rookie in 2024. During his three-game trial period from Weeks 16-18, he accounted for four touchdowns (one rushing) and three of the team’s 19 total interceptions. 16 of those interceptions were thrown by veteran Kirk Cousins.
While Cousins led the entire NFL in interceptions, Penix spent 14 games waiting patiently as the No. 2 option on the team’s depth chart. The former top-10 pick did not make waves and soaked up what he could on the bench. Now, Cousins and Penix have switched roles and the young quarterback will finally get his chance to lead the offense.
With Penix installed as the starter for just three weeks in 2024, the Falcons averaged an impressive 32 points per game. Surely, for head coach Raheem Morris, and owner Arthur Blank, that was enough to make the change at quarterback permanent.
Penix didn’t play in any of the Falcons’ preseason games but he spent all summer getting in reps and learning offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s playbook. Focal points for Penix this upcoming season will be timing, pocket presence, and elevating those around him as he embarks on his journey as the new franchise QB.
In Robinson’s offense, Penix will likely do much of his operation out of 11 personnel sets from a mix of pistol, shotgun, and single-back formations. As the season progresses, we’ll dive more into understanding the team playbook.
For now, the 53-man roster has been named and preparation for Sept. 7 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the primary thing on Penix’s mind.