Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. has patiently waited for his opportunity while the other quarterbacks in this year’s draft class have received all the headlines this season.
Now that Atlanta has pulled the plug on a struggling Kirk Cousins, Penix will finally get to show what he can do over the final three weeks and potentially the playoffs. He will make his first NFL start against the New York Giants in Week 16.
So what are the Falcons getting in Penix? He’s only appeared briefly in two games this season, completing three of five pass attempts for 38 yards. During his two seasons at Washington, Penix passed for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
To get a better idea of what to expect, let’s look at what a few NFL scouting reports said about Penix before the draft.
NFL.com:
Penix has exceptional arm strength and toughness. He has a unique, whippy, three-quarters delivery from the left side, and the ball explodes out of his hand. He can hang on his back foot and effortlessly drive the ball 55 yards. He excels driving throws outside and tosses a beautiful, lofting deep ball. He does have issues getting throws up and down in the middle of the field. His ball can stay flat. He is quick to process and consistently gets to No. 3 in the route progression. — NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah
Pro Football Focus:
Penix has an NFL-level arm talent in addition to two years of good health and top-tier production in a spread-out shotgun offense. However, to become a consistent starter and top-15 quarterback in the league, he will need to clean up his footwork, throw with more anticipation and touch (which will improve ball placement), as well as be willing to attack the middle of the field. — PFF
Bleacher Report:
Michael Penix Jr. is a stationary pocket passer with a live arm and a penchant for pushing the ball down the field. Everything with Penix’s game starts and ends with arm strength. The ball explodes out of his hand. He can bomb it 60 yards down the field with the flick of the wrist, as well as attack tight windows to the intermediate range. Penix is at his most accurate down the field as well. — Bleacher Report scouting department
Draft Wire:
With his experience, Penix has become one of the best processors in his class and understands what opposing defenses are attempting to do on defense and can create the optimal audible or adjustment within a play call. Tight window throws in the middle field are little trouble, given his laser-like throws, and Penix will be able to play in a variety of offenses. — Draft Wire’s Natalie Miller
The Falcons will face the Washington Commanders in Week 17, giving Penix the chance to play against rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. The NFL flexed this game into its Sunday night slot, so Penix won’t have to wait long to make his prime-time debut.