Just a year ago, the Falcons entered the offseason fully committed to Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, with rookie Michael Penix Jr. expected to learn from the veteran. Fast forward one year, and the roles have flipped: Penix is now "the guy," while Cousins waits to see whether Atlanta will trade or release him.
Penix is young and full of potential, but there’s still room for growth. Head coach Raheem Morris has acknowledged that Penix is still developing his leadership presence.
“When you take over that quarterback spot, there’s a certain humility about playing the position,” Morris said. “Then, it (comes) a certain confidence about playing the position. Eventually, it turns into a little bit of an arrogance about playing the position where it’s non-negotiable. We’re not there yet. I don’t think we will be for a little bit, but I think he’s at the mode of where he’s starting to get that confidence to be able to figure out how to get to that point.”
There’s concern among some that if the Falcons move on from Cousins, Penix might not live up to the hype surrounding him heading into the season.
“They move on from Kirk Cousins, who stands out elsewhere while Michael Penix Jr. struggles in his first full year as starting quarterback,” Bleacher Report’s Gagnon wrote.
Despite the doubts, former Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is optimistic about Penix’s progress.
“I think this is gonna be an amazing season for him," Vick said on the Atlanta Falcons Podcast NetworkMonday. "Just watching practices, it look like everything has slowed down."
Penix has given Falcons fans plenty to be excited about, especially with his strong showing at OTAs. And if a Falcons legend like Vick is predicting a breakout season, Penix is clearly doing something right.
