(Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world when they made former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but what’s done is done and fans are hoping they have their quarterback of the future whenever the newly-signed Kirk Cousins is ready to hand over the keys.
Penix made his highly-anticipated debut under center on Friday night and posted some pretty strong numbers.
Penix went 9-for-16 for 104 yards in his debut while avoiding any sacks or turnovers in the team’s 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Michael Penix Jr. in his pro debut
: Stream #ATLvsMIA on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/MRMPCO5Kyz
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
Penix didn’t work with any of the Falcons’ projected starters, but he still managed to put up a nice stat line that left many fans pleased.
He played hard. Great job Penix
— Proud American (@JNNonX) August 10, 2024
Maybe it was worth picking him
— AJCFootball (@ajcfootball) August 10, 2024
that’s great for him i’m excited to see him this season
— Ethan Winkler (@EthanWinkler) August 10, 2024
Looked like a rookie getting his feet wet but 100yards in a quarter and half isn’t bad
— ATL F – Treme (@Atlf_treme) August 10, 2024
The overwhelming sentiment coming from the Falcons organization last season was that the team felt like it was just a quarterback away from competing, so it’s fitting that they went out and got two this offseason.
Cousins signed a massive four-year deal, but having Penix as a contingency plan who should be one of the most pro-ready prospects from his draft since he is already 24 years old and coming off a National Championship game appearance is not a bad idea.
Cousins is of course coming back from a torn Achilles he suffered during last season, which is a fate Penix is all too familiar with as he suffered two torn ACLs and two season-ending shoulder injuries during his time in college.
It was a nice start for Penix, and he should be one of the most interesting quarterbacks to watch during preseason.
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