Michael Penix Jr. delivered an outstanding performance, leading the Atlanta Falcons to a 34-27 victory over the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was in this game that Penix’s incredible resurgence became clear. Just days prior, the spotlight had been on him after a bad performance in Week 3. His impressive display against the Commanders showcased his potential and resilience, affirming his position as a key player for the Falcons.
Going into the contest, Penix had already had an up and down season. In fact, he hadn’t thrown a touchdown pass to a wide receiver or tight end at that point. Because in Week 4, things turned around for him. He finished 20 of 26 passing, gained a career-best 313 yards and tossed two TD passes along with one INT. This strong showing followed him posting the second-lowest QBR of the week—12.5—in his last start.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris echoed that confidence saying he was not worried about Penix’s failure to make up for the early loss. Getting back to Morris, once Penix entered the meeting room his passion immediately jumped off the screen. The QB’s desire and commitment to getting better shined through.
“When he walked to the meeting room, the passion when he talked to his group, when he came in and talked to his unit, his ability to put his head down and work. There was no moping, there was no finger-pointing. He took it on himself, and he came out and fixed it.” – Raheem Morris
Even in the biggest game-changing moment of the contest, Penix was able to impress. His string of successful plays propelled the team to victory. He started the scoring with a spectacular 5-yard scramble for a touchdown. Then, just a couple plays later, he put air under a 22-yard touchdown pass heading to entertain Kyle Pitts Sr. He found wide receiver Drake London for a 9-yard touchdown. This play was a great indicator of his improved chemistry with the offensive playmakers on the roster.
Drake London echoed how strong trust in one another made the win possible. He pointed to open and candid dialogue between team players as the main ingredient for their effective work.
“At the end of the day, we all had to have candid conversations about just what we were doing out there, and we all came together as a whole, and I think it showed today. But there’s still another level.” – Drake London
Penix’s performance was the kind that jumped off the screen. In one sense, it’s perhaps the best example of how Atlanta’s running and passing games fully synced up for the first time. Even with those previous critiques, it was Penix’s jaw-dropping fearlessness that shined through. He flew to the team’s facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, within hours of their last game to begin correcting work immediately and begin his progress.
Morris has become a believer in Penix’s potential. And quite frankly, I’ve been totally titillated by him ever since I had the opportunity to draft him. The coach’s confidence in Penix seems to have been right on the money, as the quarterback bounced back beautifully from past obstacles.
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