When the Atlanta Falcons shocked the 2024 NFL Draft with the selection of Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick, you just knew the NFL gods would find a way to create a quarterback controversy involving the rookie and veteran gunslinger Kirk Cousins.
It wasn’t quite a controversy as the struggles of Cousins eventually led the Falcons to turn to their talented young QB later in the season. As it turns out, the Falcons were smart to draft Penix Jr. even after giving Cousins a four-year, $180 million contract. Now, a team that had questions marks following the 2023 NFL season enter 2025 with two quarterbacks.
They have one in Cousins who they hope to gain future assets via a trade. The other is on the verge of bringing excitement to the ATL with his natural arm talent and that “it” factor that makes quarterbacks stars in the NFL.
Michael Penix Jr. impresses veteran teammate
Penix Jr. didn’t get to show the hometown fans what he could do on the field until the final three games of the season, but he was impressive. In passing for 775 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, the former Washington Huskies star and 2023 Heisman Trophy runner up sparked energy in the team. Beyond the performance on the field, it was how he performed in training camp that impressed veteran safety Justin Simmons, who knew back then that the Falcons had something special in Penix Jr.
“Training camp. It was my third day of practice, literally third day being there,” Simmons said during an appearance on the Up & Adams show. “He was running the second-team reps and going up against the second-team defense, and he had this no-look throw down the sideline. It was the craziest throw I think I’ve ever seen in person, and I was like, oh, whatever it is, he has it. So, I’m excited to see what he does.”
It's that Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen “it” he is talking about, but the biggest challenge for Penix Jr. will be his performance on the field as the starter from Day 1. He was impressive in leading the Falcons when the games still counted, but with the team behind him and expectations high, can the 24-year-old quarterback prove moving on from Cousins is the right move? More importantly can he make an explosive offense more consistent, thus proving he is the best move for the Falcons going forward?
If he does, the Falcons 2024 NFL Draft approach will be looked back upon in NFL History as strategic genius, especially if Michael Penix Jr. continues to flourish in his playmaking ability behind center.
In all, the fourth quarterback taken in that draft could end up being the best signal caller in the NFC South…sorry Baker Mayfield.