Michael Penix Jr. is having some good showings during training camp so far. However, there are still doubts that the Falcons don't get over the hump.
USA Today says Falcons' Kirk Cousins likely to derail Michael Penix Jr.'s early success in Atlanta originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Atlanta Falcons are undoubtedly moving forward with Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback, which leaves Kirk Cousins in limbo while the organization figures out what to do with him. ATL All Day’s Nick Halden hopes the Falcons trade Cousins at the earliest opportunity.
“It will be interesting to see if any potential landing spots present themselves throughout the season. If this happens and Penix plays as expected, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Falcons turn the page on a player who continues to invite drama that should already be behind the improving franchise,” Halden wrote.
Penix impressed during his three starts last season—enough for head coach Raheem Morris to head into the offseason with him as QB1. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is working to make the current playbook closely resemble the one Penix thrived in while at Washington.
“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. led the team to the national championship, Robinson intends to mimic that,” Atlanta sports analyst Chris Alberts wrote.
Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud has full confidence in Penix, even saying he believes the rookie will take them to the Super Bowl. While the Falcons are certainly optimistic, that belief isn’t shared universally.
“So much boils down to the quarterback position, but especially here. Michael Penix Jr. flashed in three starts as a rookie but is hardly a proven commodity. QB2 Kirk Cousins is battle-tested … and his presence is likely to add to the burden of Penix, who will almost undoubtedly struggle at some point – and perhaps from the jump, Atlanta facing four postseason squads from last season among its first five opponents,” USA Today’s Nate Davis wrote.
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Davis didn’t hold back in his assessment of Atlanta’s situation. He believes Penix’s inexperience will show—compounded by Cousins' looming presence. The Falcons have no room for error in the opening stretch, with a brutal schedule that could quickly bury their playoff hopes. Atlanta hasn’t reached the postseason in years, and Davis doesn’t believe this will be the year that changes. Penix is a talented young quarterback, but the potential distraction in the locker room may be too big to ignore.
Category: Football
