In a somewhat surprising development, Michael Penix Jr. was among the inactive players for the Falcons matchup with the Ravens in the second week of the preseason. It’s also already been determined that he will not be playing in the final preseason matchup either. He’s essentially done for the year unless Kirk Cousins gets injured, throwing just 16 passes and playing 1.25 quarters after being drafted in the top 10.
As far as why Penix will not be playing the remainder of the preseason, Raheem Morris said after the game that Penix showed enough in the first preseason matchup for the coaches to feel comfortable shutting him down.
Asked Raheem Morris what went into the decision to not play Michael Penix Jr. today. He said Penix showed the coaching staff enough in that first preseason game in Miami that they didn't feel the need to play him today.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 17, 2024
The Falcons didn’t start any of their starters on either side of the ball, so Morris’ philosophy surrounding the final two preseason games is evident. Use it as an extra bye week, and let the guys competing for roster spots play as much as possible.
Every coach seems to approach preseason football a little differently. Some like to get their starters plenty of reps in preparation for Week 1; others prefer to play things cautiously, like the Falcons. Both can work out just fine, but as far as Penix is concerned, I really don’t see any reason for him to sit during the preseason.
The Washington product flashed some incredible arm talent in his first taste of NFL action against the Dolphins, going 9-for-16 for 104 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. There were a lot of things to be excited about, but it was far from picture perfect. He needs all the reps in live action he can get at this point in his career, and he’ll likely get none during the regular season.
Of course, injuries are always a concern, but you also can’t wrap rookie quarterbacks up in bubble wrap and hope they’re prepared when you throw them out there on Sundays. This is hopefully an issue the Falcons will never have to worry about this season, but if Cousins goes down and Penix looks unprepared, we may look back and second guess this decision.
With that being said, the Falcons have been second-guessed all offseason. The media ridiculed them for hiring Raheem Morris over Bill Belichick. They were mocked for drafting Michael Penix Jr. after signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract, and this decision to play Penix for just a couple of drives during the preseason will be questioned as well. But, to this point, everything the Falcons have done this offseason looks pretty damn good, so perhaps it’s time to start giving this new regime the benefit of the doubt.
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Photographer: Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire
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