The Atlanta Falcons made waves within the 2024 NFL Draft by choosing quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 total decide. This choice got here shortly after the Falcons signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free company.
Penix Jr. noticed restricted motion within the preseason regardless of the excessive expectations. In his solely look, he performed simply over 1 / 4, finishing 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards in opposition to the Miami Dolphins. He did not throw for a landing go or interception, however he performed properly.
Penix Jr. didn’t swimsuit up for the following two preseason video games, when QBs Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock battled for the third-string spot.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris addressed Penix Jr.’s restricted taking part in time following the group’s second preseason sport in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens.
“We have seen sufficient final week of Michael Penix within the stay stuff,” Morris told reporters, by way of Daniel Flick of Sports activities Illustrated. “And now we had the prospect to mitigate him in apply and we give him a bunch of stay stuff on the market in apply that you simply do the whole lot you’ll do in a sport, apart from get hit.”
Morris elaborated on Penix Jr.’s scenario by way of the AP.
“You’ve seen the quantity of reps that Michael’s been in a position to get with out actually taking away from our starter. He’s acquired an enormous quantity of reps versus our beginning protection. And I really feel actually good about the place he’s going and what he’s going to develop.”
The coach additionally offered additional element on the group’s method with Penix Jr. with Kay Adams.
Penix Jr.’s absence from the preseason video games raises questions concerning the Falcons’ intentions. There are two potential causes for this method. The primary might be to keep away from accidents. Minnesota Vikings rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, additionally a first-round decide, suffered a torn meniscus within the preseason opener in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders and underwent season-ending surgical procedure.
The opposite chance is that the Falcons are “hiding” Penix Jr. from the remainder of the NFL, paying homage to how the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs managed Patrick Mahomes throughout his rookie season behind Alex Smith.
By limiting Penix Jr.’s publicity, Morris is probably going avoiding a possible quarterback controversy. If Penix Jr. had performed properly within the preseason and Cousins, who’s coming off a torn Achilles whereas adjusting to a brand new group, struggles in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ formidable protection within the opener Sept. 8, the stress on Morris may intensify.
Because the common season approaches, the Falcons’ technique with Penix Jr. shall be carefully watched. Whether or not the group is preserving him for future success, managing his improvement rigorously or attempting to stop a QB controversy, the rookie quarterback’s function in Atlanta’s future will stay a subject of intrigue.
