When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the 8th pick in April’s draft, the NFL world was in shock. Atlanta had signed Kirk Cousins to a massive deal just a month earlier. The Falcons had glaring holes on the defensive side of the ball that could have been mended by prospects like Jared Verse and Dallas Turner. Atlanta became the laughingstock of the league. Eight months later, Penix is set to start at quarterback for the remainder of the Falcons’ playoff push. Will the Falcons get the last laugh?
Lifeless Offense Led to Cousins’ Benching
Through nine weeks, Kirk Cousins had led Atlanta to a comfortable lead in the NFC South with a 6-3 record. Cousins had thrown seventeen touchdowns and just seven interceptions. While the Falcons’ offense wasn’t the electrifying unit many expected with Cousins under center, they were the clear strength of the team. Since week ten, the offense has crumbled. Atlanta’s $180 million man has thrown just one touchdown and nine interceptions over the last five games. The Falcons have lost four of those five games, dropping out of the division lead. With three weeks of football left in the regular season, Atlanta still has a slim chance to earn a spot in the playoffs. Every game from this point on is a must-win. With that in mind, head coach Raheem Morris made the decision to turn to Michael Penix Jr. to lead his team through this final stretch.
Penix Fits Atlanta’s System
Part of Kirk Cousins’ difficulties this season can be attributed to the differences between the Falcons’ offensive scheme and the scheme that Cousins had thrived in as a Viking. In 2023, the Vikings used play action on 30% of Cousins’ passing attempts, one of the highest rates in the league. This season, just 14% of Cousins’ pass attempts have included play action. The Falcons rely heavily on a pure drop-back system, which Cousins has very little experience in.
Penix, on the other hand, comes from a system in Washington that should allow him to have success in Atlanta. At Washington, Penix operated primarily out of shotgun formations, spreading targets between multiple talented receiving options and pushing the ball down the field at every opportunity. His top-tier arm strength allows him to fit passes into tight windows at every level of the field. These traits and experiences align perfectly with the Falcons’ offensive scheme. While it’s beyond optimistic to expect any rookie passer to immediately adjust to the NFL game, Penix is certainly set up for success in Atlanta.
Can Penix Lead the Falcons to the Playoffs?
Michael Penix Jr. may fit well into Atlanta’s system, but is there still time to turn this season around? The Falcons are currently 7-7, just one game behind the division-leading Buccaneers. With three games left in the season, Atlanta likely needs to win out to earn a playoff spot. Over the next three weeks, the Falcons play the Giants, Commanders, and Panthers. Atlanta should be favored heavily against both New York and Carolina. Their playoff chances may come down to a December 29th matchup with Washington. Penix will need to hit the ground running if he is to lead Atlanta to a playoff berth. While this may be too much to expect from a rookie, he gives the Falcons’ offense some much-needed life.
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