When the Atlanta Falcons selected former Washington Huskies star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in April’s NFL draft, general manager Terry Fontenot was widely criticized for the selection. However, it had nothing to do with Penix and everything to do with the four-year, $180 million contract he had given 36-year-old veteran Kirk Cousins six weeks earlier.
But less than a year into that deal, it looks like Fontenot made the right pick after the Falcons benched Cousins in favor of the rookie, who won his first start handily 34-7 over the New York Giants. With Penix at the helm and the NFC South division crown in their sights, the Falcons are set up to do a lot of winning in the near future.
He has a strong offensive line in front of him, one of the NFL’s best combinations of running backs in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier flanking him, and a strong group of pass catchers to throw to, headlined by wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney.
USA TODAY’s Jarrett Bell also highlighted his veteran IQ on one of the two plays where he was hit by the Giants’ pass rush, but instead of taking a sack, Penix was able to live to see the next down by getting rid of the ball in London’s direction.
“I mean, I’ve played a lot of football, I’ve been in a lot of situations before,” Penix said after the game. “I thought I should’ve broken that tackle, I should have got out of it. He had me, he was about to tackle me. I saw Drake, I knew I could throw it at his feet, so I did.”
“Those are grown men, professional type plays that you like to see from your young quarterback,” head coach Raheem Morris added.
With plenty of experience from the college level, some talented playmakers around him, a somewhat weak division to compete in, and the full backing of the organization, Penix could consistently make the Falcons part of the playoff picture in the NFC.
And with his cool, calm, and collected demeanor, he could show up big when his team needs him the most.
“He was chill as possible,” Robinson said. “Especially in moments when we needed him to come alive.”
Here are some of the best photos from the first of what should be many NFL starts for Penix.