Falcons’ Rookie Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Makes Impressive Preseason Debut
The Atlanta Falcons are not taking any victory laps on their controversial draft pick, Michael Penix Jr., but they’re also not having any buyer’s remorse. After one preseason game, Penix showed flashes of brilliance, completing 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards in about a quarter and a half of work against the Miami Dolphins.
Penix’s performance was up and down, with some nice plays, like a deep pass that went for 41 yards, and some mistakes, such as missing a few throws and throwing too high to an open receiver. However, it’s to be expected for a rookie in his first NFL snaps.
The Falcons’ coaching staff decided to give Penix a chance to start, with Kirk Cousins, who is coming off a torn Achilles last season, opting out of the preseason opener. Penix, the surprising eighth overall pick of the NFL Draft, isn’t expected to get much action for the Falcons once the regular season starts, unless Cousins is injured or completely ineffective.
Penix’s biggest highlight of the night came when he hooked up with receiver Chris Blair for a 41-yard gain. He also showed nice touch on a deep pass, but had some mistakes, including throwing too high to Casey Washington on an open pass and rushing a third-down pass under pressure.
Despite the mistakes, Penix had a shot at his first NFL preseason touchdown late in the first quarter, after a Falcons interception. His pass to tight end John FitzPatrick almost got in the end zone, but FitzPatrick was tackled at the 1-yard line. Penix’s fade pass to Casey Washington was overthrown, but the Falcons went for it on fourth down and scored.
The Falcons have said that Penix will play a lot this preseason, and with Cousins unlikely to play any preseason games, Penix will have plenty of opportunities to make an impression.
