For the first time since Matt Ryan, the Falcons may have found their next franchise quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.
At first glance, nothing about Penix’s numbers suggest that he played outstanding. He completed 18 of his 27 passing attempts for 202 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, but the box score doesn’t tell the full story.
The interception hit Kyle Pitts right between the numbers, and the struggling first-round pick essentially handed the ball to a Giants defender. That was a theme for Atlanta’s pass catchers on Sunday, as they dropped six passes on the afternoon. Penix was extraordinarily accurate, and his decision-making was never a concern, a stark difference form the way his predecessor was playing prior to being benched.
More importantly, three things stood out that haven’t been present with Kirk Cousins under center. Michael Penix Jr. played in rhythm with a decisive nature that wasn’t readily available with the veteran. Secondly, the arm talent was on full display. Penix made throws that Cousins hasn’t made all season, which opened up the field and playbook for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
Lastly, Penix’s mobility and strength were on full display, immediately coming to frame on the first play from scrimmage, a play-action rollout. All of those attributes enabled Zac Robinson to be looser in his play calling, allowing Penix’s arm talent, mobility, and decisiveness to be maximized.
I’m extremely bullish on Michael Penix Jr., but is it an overreaction to say the Falcons have found their next franchise quarterback? It was the Giants, after all. How much confidence can we really have in Penix against arguably the worst team in football?
My answer would be a lot. I have a lot of confidence in Penix, regardless of who the Falcons played. It’s more about the process than the results. Penix played with conviction, and his physical abilities jumped off the screen. It was a night and day difference from what Kirk Cousins displayed under center through the team’s first 14 games.
Being a franchise quarterback is a lot more than just being able to throw the ball 60 yards flat footed. 90% of the position is determined from the neck up, but Penix is the kind of guy Falcons fans should get excited about. He looked like the full package on Sunday, and his play should only improve with more reps.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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