Michael Penix Jr. is still undefeated when he starts against Bo Nix. Although his Atlanta Falcons lost 38-6 to Nix’s Denver Broncos, there was nothing the former Washington star quarterback could do against his Oregon rival.
The No. 8 overall pick from April’s NFL draft didn’t enter the game until midway through the fourth quarter when the game was well out of hand but displayed the impressive arm talent that convinced general manager Terry Fontenot to spend a premium pick on him.
Penix finished a modest 2-4 for 24 yards and was sacked once by Denver’s relentless front. He had an opportunity to connect with fellow rookie Casey Washington downfield for a big gain and made a pinpoint throw to the sixth-rounder, who got both hands on the ball but was injured going to the ground and couldn’t complete the catch.
That throw would’ve moved the Falcons inside the 10-yard line and given Penix an opportunity for his first NFL touchdown, which would have been more than his counterpart Kirk Cousins produced on the day. The veteran, who has taught Penix plenty during his rookie season, finished 18-27 for 173 yards and an interception and was sacked 3 times in the loss.
“Each and every day, I just try my best to be prepared,” Penix told the AP’s Pat Graham after the game. “Just watching Kirk and seeing see how he goes about his day and how he operates at a high level. Just trying to feed off of that so that whenever I do get in the game, I’m ready for those moments.”
Penix got a brief moment on Sunday but may have to wait a while for his first start.
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