The Atlanta Falcons take the field tomorrow. I repeat, the Atlanta Falcons take the field tomorrow.
The Dirty Birds ended 2024 on back-to-back overtime losses in rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr’s., second and third starts. In his three starts, Penix threw for 775 yards and, most memorably, he beat the New York Giants by 27 points in his first career start.
Now with a full offseason under his belt, ESPN writer Marc Raimondi thinks it’s time for the Falcons to ditch the training wheels, or pay the price.
“Is Kirk Cousins’ continued presence bad for Michael Penix Jr.’s development?” Raimondi asks. “Cousins was not released in the offseason, as expected. Instead, he and his $27.5 million contract will be on the bench, behind Penix.”
Raimondi says that sacking this much of a paycheck on the bench is going to create compounding pressure for Penix’s performance. Not only will their be a capable backup nipping at his heels, but fans could grow uneasy during his unavoidable growing pains.
“If Penix struggles early, could fans start calling for Cousins to salvage a potential playoff spot?” asks Raimondi, preparing for the worst. “Or could a quarterback somewhere get injured, prompting a Cousins trade? Atlanta has to hope it won’t be a distraction in camp when Cousins will lead the second team in practice and perhaps get preseason game reps.”
Holding Our Breath For Michael Penix Year 2 Leap
It should be an exciting time in the ATL. Falcons fans get the privilege of experiencing rookie quarterback frenzy two fold.
Last year, the excitement of drafting a new signal caller carried fans through a full season. And thanks to head coach Raheem Morris’ decision to keep the young gun on the sideline for most of the season, the last six months have been fueled by anticipation to see Penix in a full time starting role.
Raimondi is anxious to see how a full offseason’s worth of preparation will manifest itself in Penix’s year two play.
“Penix was still developing chemistry with his skill players, like wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts,” Raimondi writes in his season preview. “He had not thrown to the first team receivers in practice at all until he was given the starting job. Penix got together with that group in the offseason, so the unit can hit the ground running in 2025.”
This Team Goes Nowhere Without Significant Defensive Improvements
While Michael Penix Jr. and a stacked cast of offensive weapons give fans enough to look forward to, this team can only go as far as the defense will take them. As previously mentioned, last season ended with two over time losses in which the offense scored 62 total points.
Some serious strides need to be taken and Raimondi is looking to the new coaching staff to deliver.
“Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake was fired after just one season. At times, it felt like the Atlanta defense couldn’t get off the field. Enter Jeff Ulbrich…” Raimondi writes. “Ulbrich brought Mike Rutenberg with him, and he’ll take the role of defensive pass-game coordinator. Atlanta also hired defensive line coach Nate Ollie, formerly with the Houston Texans.
The Falcons expect to have a high-powered offense; can the defense be good enough to get them to playoffs for the first time in eight seasons?”
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