Crisis Roundtable: Lost times in Atlanta

"If Penix Jr. possesses a superpower, it centers on his arm strength and vertical passing ability. Yet, that ability was rarely seen this year, and when it was, he proved one of the league's least efficient vertical passers. Without that strength on display to offset the weaknesses, too many of his flaws were exposed. Those include his ability to create off structure and outside the pocket, his ability to handle pressure, and his comfort level attacking the middle of the field and executing play action."

"In his final two starts, we also saw increased inconsistency in his footwork and mechanics, resulting in inaccurate passes. The upside and potential remain high, but it's hard to say we're any closer to knowing if he's the team's long-term answer at quarterback than we were at the end of last season. There remain too many questions about his viability as an impactful starting quarterback."

The Atlanta Falcons season has collapsed into catastrophic losses, with recurring inability to win close games and pronounced third-quarter struggles. The offense lacks consistency, fails to sustain productive drives, and produces inaccurate passes at critical moments. The defense shows some improvement but continues to allow far too many explosive plays that change games. Michael Penix Jr. will need surgery to repair his left ACL. His arm strength and vertical passing are natural advantages but were infrequently displayed and often inefficient. Footwork and mechanical inconsistencies appeared in his final starts, leaving significant questions about his long-term viability as a starting quarterback.

Read at The Falcoholic