Urgency in Atlanta as Michael Penix Jr. Faces Commanders’ Pass Rush
Michael Penix Jr. is at a crossroads with the Atlanta Falcons, and the pressure is mounting. With just one touchdown in three games and an offense that ranks last in deep passing, the young quarterback finds himself under scrutiny as the Falcons prepare to face a formidable Washington Commanders pass rush.
A Call for Improvement
Penix understands the stakes. “It starts with me,” he acknowledged during a recent press conference. “I got to be better with my execution and putting us in a position to help us win football games and also throw it to the wide open receivers when they open.” His commitment to improvement is evident, yet the challenges are daunting.
Following a disheartening 30-point loss to the Carolina Panthers, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson described the performance as a “comedy of errors.” However, the underlying issues extend beyond a single game. In his second season, Penix has struggled with consistency, managing only one touchdown pass—which came from a screen to Bijan Robinson—making him the only starting quarterback this season with such meager numbers.
Struggles in the Stats
The statistics paint a grim picture for Penix. He ranks 19th in passing yards with 605 and sits at 29th in completion percentage at 58.6%. His quarterback rating of 71.3 places him 28th league-wide. The advanced metrics are equally troubling: he stands at 28th in passing EPA with a staggering -24.6 and has a dismal 5.1% deep pass percentage. The numbers become even more alarming when he faces pressure. NextGenStats reveals that he has the lowest completion percentage over expected (-15.5%) when under duress, completing only 13 of 29 attempts for 173 yards and a solitary touchdown.
Penix’s inability to connect on deep throws is particularly concerning. The Falcons have the lowest deep passing rate in the league at 4% and Penix is 1-of-17 on passes over 15 yards this season, with one interception. These figures starkly contrast his performance in the latter part of last season, where he threw for 316 yards on similar attempts in Weeks 16-18, showcasing a significant regression.
Wide Receiver Woes
The Falcons’ receiving corps has not fared much better. Darnell Mooney has struggled to make an impact, while Drake London has yet to break out. Kyle Pitts has shown flashes of brilliance, but his contributions are mostly limited to short passes. Ray-Ray McCloud has managed only five receptions for 71 yards, further highlighting the team’s offensive struggles. Surprisingly, running back Bijan Robinson leads the team in receptions, emphasizing the broader issues at play.
These problems have culminated in staff changes, including the dismissal of locker room favorite Ike Hilliard, as the Falcons look to shake things up. Yet, Penix remains the focal point. “Whenever those opportunities are called, we got to take advantage of them,” he remarked, acknowledging the need to capitalize on chances in the deep passing game. “I feel like we haven’t been taking advantage of them whenever they have been called.”
The Need for Patience
Despite playing only six professional games, Penix has shown glimpses of the potential that led the Falcons to select him eighth overall in last year’s draft. He shone in Week 1 against the Buccaneers and in the closing weeks of the previous season, but inconsistencies have resurfaced. McCloud emphasized the importance of patience, stating that cohesion will develop over time. “I think patience and a don’t blink mentality… Keep grinding brick by brick,” he advised.
Growing pains are part of the journey for young quarterbacks, but how long the Falcons can afford to wait remains uncertain. Head coach Arthur Smith has voiced confidence in Penix, insisting there is no impending quarterback competition despite veteran Kirk Cousins’ return to action. “We drafted this young man for a reason: for his ability, mental toughness, his physical toughness and his ability to play the quarterback position,” Smith noted.
High Stakes Against the Commanders
As the Falcons sit at 1-2, another performance like the one against Carolina is not an option. McCloud stressed the urgency, saying, “When you lose 30-0, the mindset better switch. It’s the NFL, and everybody’s job is on the line.” The Falcons have not made the playoffs in seven years and have not exceeded eight wins during that span, a reality that weighs heavily on the franchise.
The upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders presents a formidable challenge. The Commanders lead the league with a 50.4% pressure rate, pressuring opposing quarterbacks on over half of their dropbacks. When under pressure, they have allowed the second-lowest completion percentage and third-lowest dropback success rate in the NFL.
While the Falcons’ defense has shown improvement, it will be of little consequence if the offense cannot find its footing. Penix and his teammates need to rally and provide support to a defense that has been performing well. As the season unfolds, the pressure is on for Penix to deliver, and how he responds to this critical test will be pivotal for the Falcons’ aspirations this year.
