The Falcons are one game into Michael Penix’s career, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Granted, it was an exhibition contest, but Penix showcased the kind of physical talent that caught the eye of Raheem Morris and Atlanta’s coaching staff. Though he had misses, he flicked the ball effortlessly and ran the offense like he’d been doing it for years.
The Athletic’s Chase Daniel liked what he saw, giving Penix a B grade for his 9-of-16, 104-yard stat line.
“I thought he was excellent. He maybe didn’t look as comfortable as Caleb Williams, but I just want to throw this out there: The go balls he was throwing in the game — and that’s what he’s known for, his deep ball accuracy — were excellent. I was really impressed with what he was able to do,” Daniel wrote.
Playing quarterback in the NFL is mostly between the ears, evident in the Falcons starting quarterback. Kirk Cousins has never been the most talented thrower in the league. Hell, there are college signal callers that are more talented than Cousins.
Even still, the veteran has carved out a 10+ year career because of his ability to play within a system, on time, anticipate, manipulate defenses, and accurately deliver the football. However, he’ll never reach the heights of Patrick Mahomes because he lacks that extra bit physically.
Michael Penix Jr. has that extra bit. The jury is still out on the rest of the makeup. Playing quarterback is a lot more than just how hard you can throw the ball, but he certainly has that facet in spades.
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Photographer: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire
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