The Atlanta Falcons will have a new quarterback under center.
This is the second time they shocked the world with their quarterback-related decisions in less than a year.
Not many people could see their vision when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, just weeks after giving Kirk Cousins a four-year contract with $90 million guaranteed.
As talented as Penix is, he is already 24 years old, so it was odd to see him sit behind a veteran for years.
Now, they’ve shocked the world again by deciding to give up on Cousins and roll with their rookie instead.
With that in mind, NFL legend Tony Dungy admitted to being surprised, as the Falcons are still in the mix for a playoff spot, yet they will trust their season with an unproven rookie who hasn’t played.
We have flexed to Falcons-Commanders for @SNFonNBC next week and it looks like we’ll see Michael Penix Jr. I’m surprised that in the middle of a playoff chase they’re turning to a rookie QB who hasn’t played. In 1999 the Bucs were forced to do that due to injury. Shaun King led… pic.twitter.com/zgCXfb8qfa
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 18, 2024
Then again, he does see some parallels with his Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1999 team.
He remembered that rookie Shaun King was thrown into the fire because of an injury and helped the team win five of their last six games, leading them to a divisional title and the NFC Championship Game.
Whether Penix will be able to do the same remains to be seen.
However, one thing is for sure.
His arm talent is simply off the charts, and he’s no ordinary rookie, as he spent a lot of time in college and has seen a lot of different coverages.
The Falcons have many elite weapons, and Zac Robinson’s offense is much better suited to his skills.
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