"Fairly or unfairly, the Falcons have implicitly pushed a narrative all offseason that second-year quarterback Michael Penix will be a significant upgrade over predecessor Kirk Cousins. Based on how Cousins finished 2024, with one touchdown and nine interceptions in his final five starts, the expectation that Penix can outperform the worst version of Cousins isn't particularly controversial. However, it remains to be seen if Penix can match the better version of Cousins seen earlier in 2024 when the Falcons got off to an impressive 6-3 record."
"And the very best version of Cousins showed up twice against the Bucs last year, with Cousins throwing for a combined 785 yards and eight touchdowns in two games, including a franchise-record 509 yards in Week 5. Will Penix match those statistical highs out of the gate in his 2025 season debut? Will he need to put up that type of passing performance for the Falcons to win? All questions that only heighten the intrigue for the young quarterback entering the season."
"Helping Penix reach whatever heights could be wideout Casey Washington, who is one of the options that could step in for injured Darnell Mooney, if he is absent on Sunday. Along with Penix, Washington is part of a 2024 Falcons draft class that saw very little playing time a year ago and hopes to become a bigger contributor in 2025."
The Falcons open the 2025 season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with significant attention on second-year quarterback Michael Penix. Expectations position Penix as a potential upgrade over Kirk Cousins, whose late-2024 decline included one touchdown and nine interceptions across his final five starts. Cousins previously produced elite outings versus the Bucs, throwing for 785 combined yards and eight touchdowns in two games, including a 509-yard performance. Wide receiver Casey Washington could see an expanded role if Darnell Mooney remains sidelined, offering a chance for increased 2024 draft-class contributors to impact the offense early.
Read at The Falcoholic
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