Michael Penix’s box score doesn’t do his NFL debut justice

The Atlanta Falcons cruised to a 34-7 win over the lowly Giants on Sunday in a game where they really didn’t need their offense at all, given the defense came up with not one but two pick-sixes.

That made it the ideal tune-up game for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who made his NFL debut as the starting quarterback for the Falcons, ahead of a much more potent threat next Sunday in the Washington Commanders, a game that will likely determine whether Atlanta finally breaks a postseason drought that has existed since the 2017 season.

Michael Penix’s box score was nothing to write home about. He completed 18 of his 27 passing attempts for 202 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, but those numbers don’t really do his effectiveness justice.

Penix looked the part of an NFL quarterback in his first start. He flashed his humongous arm, was on time with his decisions, and didn’t throw a single pass up for grabs. The only interception he did have hit Kyle Pitts square in the chest and then deflected right into a defender’s hands. Had Pitts made the catch, he very well might have turned upfield and given Penix the first touchdown pass of his career.

That dropped pass was a trend on Sunday for the Falcons. The receiving core dropped six of them on the afternoon, which would have had Penix’s stat line looking much different. Also notable, Penix wasn’t sacked one time, despite the Giants constantly mixing up looks and bringing pressure. Nothing seemed to phase the rookie, which rightfully has Atlanta fans giddy for what’s to come.

Next up: the Falcons travel to Washington to face a Commanders team that owns the final Wild Card spot in the NFC. Jayden Daniels is well on his way to the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, coming off a five touchdown performance against the Eagles. It’s a must-win for the Falcons, who got a lot of help last night from the Cowboys.

It’s simple: win out, and the Falcons’ six-year postseason drought will be a thing of the past. Michael Penix Jr. has the opportunity to quickly become one of the biggest stars in Atlanta if he builds off his performance against the Giants and leads the Falcons to a win on national television over the Commanders.

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Photo: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire