Atlanta Falcons‘ quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. has started just three games in the NFL so far in his NFL career, while playing in five total. The results have been mixed so far on the 2024 first-round draft pick, but some projections for 2025 have been optimistic.
“They said everything we heard positively about him this offseason — the way he’s throwing the ball, the way he’s learning things — it’s understated,” NFL Network’s Steve Wyche said recently.
But it’s not just NFL analysts that are hyping Penix. The guy whose job he took thinks highly of him as well.
“Michael is going to do great,” said Kirk Cousins, last year’s starting quarterback and current backup. “He’s going to have a great career. He’s off to a great start. He’s got all the tangibles and intangibles you need to be successful and I’m just here to support him as he needs it, but I also don’t need to be in his ear so much that I’m another weight or another voice.
“I just want to be a support as much as I can. He knows that. We’re in close proximity on the field and in meetings, so we have great conversations. I can learn from him, just like he can learn from me and that’s how a good quarterback room always should be.”
Even the fantasy football guys are looking for good things from Penix this year, with Gene Clemons of Fantasy Life saying he’ll be a top-10 fantasy quarterback.
“Michael Penix received only an abbreviated showcase over the back end of the season,” Clemons wrote. “What he showed is poise and command that made Atlanta fans forget about Kirk Cousins. He also made fantasy managers salivate over his future after his Week 18 performance. He finished with 318 yards passing and 2 touchdowns, also adding a rushing score. It was good enough to finish QB7 for the week. There are so many elements of his game we have yet to really see explored.”
Some observers don’t have the anointing oil out yet
Some of the hype on Penix has some reminded of Bill Parcells’ words on Tony Romo back in 2006 when he was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
“We’ve got a ways to go here,” Parcells said then. “So put away the anointing oil, OK?”
While it’s far too early for anyone to have that oil out, Damian Parson of Bleacher Report takes a look at Penix and his confidence levels for the former University of Washington Husky heading into year two. His take is more tepid than others.
“Somehow, Atlanta emerged as a genius when Michael Penix Jr. became the starter after highly paid veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins’ play diminished,” Parson writes.
“Penix is the starter entering year two, though. He has a strong coaching staff around him, which puts him in the most advantageous position as a first-year starting QB. He also has a strong support cast around him, with running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London leading the way.
“Penix needs to be more consistent from the pocket and improve his accuracy, ball placement and completion percentage. If these boxes are checked, the Falcons will compete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South division crown.”
Parson concludes his thoughts by saying his current confidence level on Penix is a 5 out of 10.
Optimists point to Penix’s offseason
It was a long calendar year for Penix in 2024. The year began with a loss to Michigan in the NCAA National Championship Game on January 8th. After that, it was a flurry of workouts, meetings and the NFL Combine as he prepared for the 2024 NFL Draft. And that’s all before even joining the Falcons and getting ready for the season.
That is a very grueling and mentally taxing year for a guy who is used to just playing a college season of thirteen games in a regular season.
“This offseason, instead of preparing for workouts and interviews, he’s preparing to be the Falcons starting quarterback,” Clemons concludes. “His arm strength is going to open up this level of deep throws that disappeared with Cousins in the offense. He had a great cast around him, which will keep defenses honest. The only thing he must do is perform.”
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