The Atlanta Falcons recently made the decision to bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr.
With Atlanta in the thick of the playoff hunt, head coach Raheem Morris wants a spark in the offensive huddle.
Former Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith recently spoke about Penix’s capabilities.
“The strength of Michael Penix Jr. is his ability to throw from the pocket. … This guy can flat out spin it. … I’m anxious to see what this looks like,” Smith said, via SiriusXM NFL Radio.
"This guy can flat out spin it."
Alex Smith discussed QB Michael Penix Jr. as he gets ready for his first career start in Atlanta.
? https://t.co/v3G0iz5IH6#Falcons | #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/DTyreDZF15
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) December 20, 2024
With the Falcons sitting at a record of 7-7, no thanks to the inconsistent quarterback play from Cousins, it was time for a change.
Penix is coming off a magical final season at Washington where he won the Maxwell Award and took the Huskies to the national title game.
His arm strength and accuracy, as Smith noted, are top-tier.
It will be intriguing to see him get on the same page with Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson.
With three games to go in the regular season, it is do-or-die time for a team that has shown flashes of offensive brilliance throughout the season but has lacked consistency.
In the final three games, Penix will face the New York Giants, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers.
The first and the last game are winnable.
But the middle game against the Commanders will be key as the Falcons will try to keep pace with the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South.
NEXT: Tony Dungy Admits He's Surprised By Falcons' Recent Move
