On Friday night, Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made his highly anticipated preseason debut against the Miami Dolphins. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, provided one of the few bright spots in Friday’s 20-13 loss.
The former Washington Huskies QB got the start for Atlanta, completing nine of 16 pass attempts for 104 yards. While the numbers were nothing to write home about, Penix’s game film was impressive. The rookie made quick reads, showed accuracy, and remained poised in the face of the blitz.
Don’t take my word for it, though. Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel was highly impressed by Penix’s preseason debut. Daniel broke down the rookie’s All-22 film on Twitter, as you can see below:
Yall don't realize what Michael Penix Jr is doing.
All 22 QB Film Telestrated Breakdown….as detailed as you're going to get. #RiseUp https://t.co/2DZMnwYggg pic.twitter.com/CRKp05zkOY
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) August 10, 2024
Daniel wasn’t the only NFL analyst impressed by Penix’s preseason performance. Another film expert in NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger had nice things to say about Atlanta’s first-round pick.
In one of his latest “Baldy Breakdowns,” Baldinger highlighted the poise shown by Penix as he went through his progressions in Friday’s preseason game.
.@AtlantaFalcons @themikepenix had a nice debut. Has the same goid touch on his deep ball that we saw @UW_Football #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/Yvt0jKUz4c
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 10, 2024
It was only one game, but Penix certainly passed his first test. Unfortunately, the Falcons suffered a couple of serious injuries on Friday night. Safety DeMarcco Hellams and rookie linebacker Bralen Trice had to be helped off the field in last night’s preseason opener.
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