One of the biggest controversies from the 2024 NFL Draft was the Atlanta Falcons’ selection of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at pick No. 8. It’s not that Penix is a bad player by any means, rather that the Falcons had just paid a lot of money to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
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Many slammed Atlanta on social media for the decision, but the Falcons held steady. Penix made his NFL debut on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins and looked fairly decent despite all the outside noise that has surrounded him.
Penix completed 9-of-16 passes for 104 yards in the game. Atlanta ended up losing the matchup to the Dolphins but it was a great start for the young quarterback.
After the fact, Penix spoke about his performance. He mentioned that he didn’t have any nerves and was ready to go compete with his teammates.
“It felt good to go out there and compete with my brothers,” said Penix, whom the Falcons took eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. “Just having fun out there and playing the game I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. So, no nerves, no jitters, just ready to go.”
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 09: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Miami… MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 09: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 09, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Penix looked good in his NFL debut.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
While it may be a minute before Penix steps foot onto an NFL field, the more reps he can get in the preseason, the better. Cousins will be the starter for the Falcons but this is a great chance for the young signal-caller to learn as much as he can.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris heaped praise on Penix after the game. It was a positive showing for the rookie that impressed a lot of people.
“He wants one of those throws back that output he threw on the sideline, but he was able to [go] through some progressions,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “He was able to progress. We get a little pass happy with him since he’s a first-round quarterback. It was fun to see him go out there and execute some of the pass plays and we were able to get some of the stuff done… Pretty much, a really good night for him and I was really pleased with what he was able to do.”
Penix has a long way to go before the Falcons trust him but this was a step in the right direction. The rookie can take things day-by-day and so far, it has been a great start.
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