Michael Penix Jr. caught in the middle of explosive Falcons-Titans brawl during joint practice

Hunter Cookston

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Michael Penix Jr. caught in the middle of explosive Falcons-Titans brawl during joint practice image

The Atlanta Falcons have not been strangers to heated moments during training camp, which reflects the fire the team is bringing this season. Camp is also a time when players are trying to prove their worth, which may explain why James Pearce Jr. has been involved in some scuffles.

“Rookie James Pearce Jr. was the main character today. He set off two scrums on back-to-back plays — the first going at it with Ryan Neuzil and Matthew Bergeron (who had some words), and the second with Kaleb McGary,” wrote Adnan Ikic of The Falcoholic.

Pearce was also involved in a scuffle where head coach Raheem Morris confronted him, resulting in Pearce being sidelined as punishment.

“A scuffle at training camp. James Pearce Jr in the middle of it. Raheem Morris got in his face after. Looked like JPJ grabbed a face mask at some point. He was taken out of the next rep,” NBC Atlanta’s Maria Martin posted.

On Wednesday morning, a different kind of altercation occurred as the Falcons got into a scuffle with the Titans during joint practice.

“Big brawl just happened. Michael Penix Jr. looked like he was right in the middle of it and might’ve taken some shots. Biggest fight I’ve seen so far between Falcons and Titans,” Fox5 Atlanta’s Miles Garrett wrote.

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After practice, Penix met with the media and explained why the scuffle happened.

“They had a lot of word on practice, so I gave them some word,” Penix said. “I don’t really do a lot of talking unless someone does it to me…they probably looked at me as just a QB…I’m from Tampa.”

Penix is a passionate player, and once provoked, he’s going to respond. The touchdown pass he threw on the play that led to the scuffle was a beautiful connection with Ray-Ray McCloud. It’s safe to say the preseason battle between the two teams on Friday is going to be a chippy one.

Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.