#michael-penix-jr

#michael-penix-jr

I'll admit, when I first saw reports about what Michael Penix Jr. said about the support he gets off the field, I was concerned. The way it was being reported made it sound like Penix claimed to not have support on the sideline - and let's be real, if that were the case it would absolutely be malpractice and everyone should be fired.

Atlanta was too pass-heavy in its loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which was reflected in an unbalanced stat line: 42 called passes to 18 designed runs. That disparity was reflected immediately in the team's opening-game script for the first 15 to 20 plays. The Falcons only called four runs in their first 15 plays, and five in the first 20.

"I feel good right now," Penix said. "Obviously, at the end of the game you saw I did get up a little bit slow, but I've been feeling good and just continue to get better each and every day, and just make sure I'm monitoring it the right way."

After the worst performance of his young career a week ago, he bounced back with poise, accuracy, and confidence. He wasn't just managing the offense; he was commanding it, showing exactly why the Falcons hitched their future to him. Penix finished 20-of-26 (76.9%) for 313 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Even the pick wasn't a backbreaker - more of a heat check to an equally hot Drake London on a sideline sail route.

McCarthy was taken two spots after Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr, whom Atlanta sensationally selected despite signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative free agent contract earlier that offseason. Penix was taken eighth overall, and after replacing Cousins and impressing late last season, is now the full-time starter, though Week 1 ended in disappointment for Atlanta as the Falcons lost a thriller to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite a Penix touchdown run putting them ahead with just over two minutes to play.

Penix's "athletic arrogance" is a key to both his potential and his success - but it could also be his downfall. Finding the balance is going to be key for the second-year signal caller. When it works, it really impresses, showcasing his ability to make plays under pressure and command the field. However, if not managed well, it could lead to overconfidence and mistakes that undermine his development as a reliable starting quarterback.