Plenty more needs to be proven, but it’s impossible not to be excited about Michael Penix Jr.’s immediate growth under Kevin Stefanski and Tommy Rees. He is making quicker, sharper decisions to hit his intended target in stride. The comfort with playing under center and being efficient off play action has been a massive boost in an offense that prefers using heavier personnel sets. These developments have led to two dominant wins.
For this to happen with a player who largely wasn’t expected to play until midseason is hugely encouraging. His rapport with Drake London remains as strong as ever, after they clicked immediately in the final two games of the 2024 season. His overall command in the pocket helps offset his limitations in creating outside the pocket.
There are still growing pains to be endured as Penix Jr. hasn’t started 16 games yet. That isn’t preventing fans from believing he can be Atlanta’s franchise quarterback.
It’s been a dramatic shift not only for him, but for the team overall after a horrific start to the season. The Falcons enter a crucial stretch playing three teams that seem destined to be contenders. Facing Baltimore, Chicago, and San Francisco will be major litmus tests, no matter how much the Ravens and Bears adjust without their franchise quarterbacks.
Both teams have proven they can win without them. Atlanta must prove they can beat playoff-bound teams and justify the fanbase’s enormous confidence.
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