The Atlanta Falcons are excited about the way their offense and young defense are shaping up. Just last season, Kirk Cousins was the starter and Michael Penix Jr. was the rookie backup. One year later, the roles have flipped—Penix is now the starter, and Cousins could be a backup or even a trade candidate during the offseason or regular season.
This entire offseason has been filled with mixed reviews about how Penix is expected to perform in his first year as the full-time starter. His presence is also a big reason the Falcons landed several primetime games.
“It’s a bit surprising that the Falcons have five prime-time games this season,” CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani wrote. “I believe that’s because of the excitement surrounding Michael Penix Jr.”
If Penix can bring the same level of play he showed during his college days at Washington, the Falcons could be in great hands. That performance is what made him arguably the best transfer in the portal era.
Still, not everyone is sold on Penix, especially after a few shaky moments last season. While his time as a starter was limited, it was enough to raise some concerns heading into Year 2 of his NFL career.
“Penix needs to be more consistent from the pocket and improve his accuracy, ball placement, and completion percentage,” Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson wrote. “If these boxes are checked, the Falcons will compete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South division crown.”
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On Monday, Penix received his most glowing review yet. Former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III offered a bold prediction for the young quarterback’s upcoming season.
“Michael Penix Jr. will be the breakout QB of the Year in the NFL this year,” Griffin wrote.
That’s exactly the kind of hype the Falcons are hoping for. While Penix will undoubtedly experience highs and lows in his first full season as a starter, he may very well emerge as the top breakout quarterback in the league.
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