Penix Proving His Worth in Atlanta
Michael Penix Jr. is turning things around for the Atlanta Falcons. After suffering a torn left ACL last November, there were serious doubts about his future. It was his third ACL surgery, having suffered two torn right ACLs during his college career.
The Falcons brought in veteran Tua Tagovailoa during the offseason to compete for the starting job after Tagovailoa was released by the Miami Dolphins. However, since returning to the field in Week 3, Penix has established himself at the helm of the offense.
Big Victory Highlights Progress
Atlanta has won three of five games since Penix returned. His best performance came in Week 7, when he led the team back from a 14-3 deficit to defeat the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers 29-20.
Former Falcons coach Raheem Morris was scheming against him as defensive coordinator, but Penix prevailed. The effort earned him his first NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees noted that Penix was unflappable during the game. Safety Jessie Bates III also praised the quarterback, saying he believes Penix is a franchise quarterback.
Solid Production and Division Battle
Across 17 career starts, Penix has completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 3,914 yards with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He gives stability to an offense that features running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.
The Falcons currently hold three wins and four losses. They have a chance to reach the .500 mark on Sunday against their NFC South rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A victory would move Atlanta into a share of first place in the division.
Looking Ahead to the Offseason
Atlanta has not reached the playoffs or recorded a winning season since 2017. The team has also been searching for stability at quarterback since Matt Ryan was traded in 2022.
The franchise faces a decision regarding the fifth year option on Penix as he enters his fourth season next year. Penix himself remains focused on immediate results, stating that the main goal from day one has always been to win football games.
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