The Atlanta Falcons are aiming to return to the NFL Playoffs for the first time in several years. Michael Penix Jr. is set to become the full-time starter in just his second season—well ahead of schedule. Last year, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins began his tenure with the Falcons, but before the season ended, he had already lost the starting job. Now, heading into the new season, former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick likes what he sees from Penix.
“I think this is gonna be an amazing season for him," Vick said on the Atlanta Falcons Podcast Network Monday. "Just watching practices, it look like everything has slowed down."
As the season approaches, Penix is generating a lot of buzz. The second-year quarterback showed flashes of potential during his three starts last season. However, not everyone is sold. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon painted a worst-case scenario where Penix falls short of expectations.
“They move on from Kirk Cousins, who stands out elsewhere while Michael Penix Jr. struggles in his first full year as starting quarterback,” Gagnon wrote.
Still, it seems Penix is winning over the Falcons’ locker room. Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud expressed confidence that Penix can take the team all the way.
“Boy, I’m excited, and I’m not gonna be surprised by any of it,” McCloud said. “I’ve watched [Penix] every day for the last year at practice, and I’m just ready to see him go into an experienced year, a polished year, and see how it goes — go all the way to the Super Bowl.”
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The last time Penix played for a championship was during his senior year of college. Now, the Falcons are attempting to capitalize on that experience by incorporating elements of Washington’s offensive scheme into their playbook.
“According to former NFL coach Jon Gruden, the Atlanta Falcons and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson are studying the 23-24 Washington Huskies playbook. The playbook used when Michael Penix Jr. lead the team to the national championship, Robinson intends to mimick that,” Atlanta sports analyst Chris Alberts wrote.
This could be a smart move by Robinson, as it gives Penix a system tailored to his strengths. It worked in college, and there’s a chance it could succeed in the NFL. With a familiar scheme, Penix simply needs to replicate his collegiate performance. If Robinson is right, what led to a National Championship two years ago might now lead to a Super Bowl.