With the Atlanta Falcons now in full minicamp mode, the talk continues to center around the team’s starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr.
Falcons coaches have done nothing but rave about last year’s first-round pick, crediting his hard work throughout the offseason. In fact, even the man Penix replaced in the final three games of last season — now-backup Kirk Cousins — has had positive things to say about him.
“They said everything we heard positively about him this offseason — the way he's throwing the ball, the way he's learning things — it's understated,” NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reported.
As excited as the Falcons — and even their fans — are about their second-year quarterback, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. It’s important to remember that Penix has started only three games in the NFL, giving him a very limited resume. That’s one reason why Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson doesn’t share the same level of confidence in him.
“Penix Jr. played in five games and started three with obvious peaks and valleys in his performance,” Parson wrote. “Although he was not expected to play, he started as a rookie with Cousins being the big-money free agent.”
In those three starts, Penix went 1-2, completing fewer than 60% of his passes while throwing three touchdowns and three interceptions.
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“Penix needs to be more consistent from the pocket and improve his accuracy, ball placement, and completion percentage,” Parson added. “If these boxes are checked, the Falcons will compete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South division crown.”
Overall, Parson stopped at the halfway mark, giving the Falcons quarterback a five on his confidence meter. That’s far from a ringing endorsement. The good news for the former Washington standout is that he’ll be surrounded by a strong supporting cast, including star running back Bijan Robinson and wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney.
MORE ATLANTA FALCONS:
Falcons' Raheem Morris calls Kirk Cousins–Michael Penix Jr. tension ‘boring’
Kirk Cousins called ‘borderline starter’ as he comes to terms with Falcons future