Tag: falcons news

What did NFL scouts say about Michael Penix Jr. before the draft?

What did NFL scouting reports say about Michael Penix Jr. before the draft?

Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. has patiently waited for his opportunity while the other quarterbacks in this year’s draft class have received all the headlines this season.

Now that Atlanta has pulled the plug on a struggling Kirk Cousins, Penix will finally get to show what he can do over the final three weeks and potentially the playoffs. He will make his first NFL start against the New York Giants in Week 16.

So what are the Falcons getting in Penix? He’s only appeared briefly in two games this season, completing three of five pass attempts for 38 yards. During his two seasons at Washington, Penix passed for 9,544 yards, 67 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

To get a better idea of what to expect, let’s look at what a few NFL scouting reports said about Penix before the draft.

NFL.com:

Penix has exceptional arm strength and toughness. He has a unique, whippy, three-quarters delivery from the left side, and the ball explodes out of his hand. He can hang on his back foot and effortlessly drive the ball 55 yards. He excels driving throws outside and tosses a beautiful, lofting deep ball. He does have issues getting throws up and down in the middle of the field. His ball can stay flat. He is quick to process and consistently gets to No. 3 in the route progression. — NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah

Pro Football Focus:

Penix has an NFL-level arm talent in addition to two years of good health and top-tier production in a spread-out shotgun offense. However, to become a consistent starter and top-15 quarterback in the league, he will need to clean up his footwork, throw with more anticipation and touch (which will improve ball placement), as well as be willing to attack the middle of the field. — PFF

Bleacher Report:

Michael Penix Jr. is a stationary pocket passer with a live arm and a penchant for pushing the ball down the field. Everything with Penix’s game starts and ends with arm strength. The ball explodes out of his hand. He can bomb it 60 yards down the field with the flick of the wrist, as well as attack tight windows to the intermediate range. Penix is at his most accurate down the field as well. — Bleacher Report scouting department

Draft Wire:

With his experience, Penix has become one of the best processors in his class and understands what opposing defenses are attempting to do on defense and can create the optimal audible or adjustment within a play call. Tight window throws in the middle field are little trouble, given his laser-like throws, and Penix will be able to play in a variety of offenses. — Draft Wire’s Natalie Miller

The Falcons will face the Washington Commanders in Week 17, giving Penix the chance to play against rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. The NFL flexed this game into its Sunday night slot, so Penix won’t have to wait long to make his prime-time debut.

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Falcons QB change may alter 49ers QB plans in offseason

Hear us out…

The Atlanta Falcons are making a change under center that could have a ripple effect that reaches the West Coast.

According to Falcons team reporter Tori McElhaney, Atlanta is benching starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and moving rookie signal caller Michael Penix Jr. into the starting lineup.

Benching Cousins with three weeks to go in the 2024 season could be a sign that Atlanta plans to hand the keys to Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, long-term. If Penix acquits himself well as the team’s starter, the Falcons could part ways with Cousins in the offseason, making the 36-year-old a free agent for the second consecutive year.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the 49ers kicked the tires on Cousins as a backup in that scenario.

Cousins isn’t the same player he was when head coach Kyle Shanahan had him lined up to be a high-priced free agent signing in 2018. The four-time Pro Bowler is in the midst of his worst season as a pro after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons in the offseason. He may still get a starter-level contract in free agency, but his numbers and play this season have shown his best years are likely behind him.

If his season is over he’ll have thrown 18 touchdowns with 16 interceptions, and averaged 7.7 yards per attempt with an 88.6 QB rating – his worst mark since becoming a full-time starter. While those numbers aren’t good, it’s not likely we see Cousins out of the league in 2025 even if the Falcons do let him go.

San Francisco appears to be all-in on Brock Purdy as a franchise QB which is why Cousins wouldn’t likely be on the table as a starter even if he was a free agent coming off a good year. However, both 49ers backup QBs, Brandon Allen and Josh Dobbs, are set to hit free agency after the season and San Francisco will need to find a No. 2 behind Purdy.

If head coach Kyle Shanahan believes Cousins is still capable of operating an NFL offense, it would make sense to see if Cousins is available for backup QB money. Having a viable veteran backup who can step in and potentially win a game if Purdy is unavailable would be a valuable piece for a team that should be looking to revamp its depth in the offseason.

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Falcons bench QB Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons bench quarterback Kirk Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.

The move fans have been waiting for finally happened as the Atlanta Falcons benched quarterback Kirk Cousins on Tuesday evening. Despite winning Monday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Cousins did not play well and head coach Raheem Morris has opted to make a change.

Morris released a statement on the team’s official website:

After review we have made the decision Michael Penix will be the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback moving forward. This was a football decision and we are fully focused on preparing the team for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. — Raheem Morris

Cousins has thrown nine interceptions to just one touchdown over the last five games. The Falcons ended their four-game losing streak but it appeared they were attempting to hide Cousins at times.

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. is set to take over in Week 16. Penix, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, will make his first NFL start against the New York Giants this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

For the season, Cousins has passed for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. The team got off to a 6-3 start with the veteran quarterback under center but hit a rough patch starting in Week 10.

Cousins, who had never gone back-to-back games without a touchdown in his 12-year career, went four games without a touchdown pass (Weeks 10-14). The Falcons lost all four games and nearly blew Monday night’s game against the Raiders.

Penix has waited patiently and deserves a chance to see if he can get the passing game back to where it needs to be. Atlanta is still alive in the playoff hunt at 7-7. With the 2-12 Giants coming up, it was the perfect time to make the switch.

“I’m ready for my moment,” Penix said during a Week 12 interview with Falcons Wire. “I make sure I stay ready each and every day and I have all the confidence in the world.”

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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris leaves door open for QB change

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris would not commit to Kirk Cousins as the team’s starting QB

The Atlanta Falcons ended their four-game losing streak but the quarterback controversy is far from over. The team barely held off the two-win Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15 and Kirk Cousins didn’t help his cause.

The veteran quarterback completed 11 of 17 pass attempts for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception on Monday night. After the game, head coach Raheem Morris was critical of Cousins and said the quarterback play needed to improve.

Morris met with the media again on Tuesday evening and left the door open for a potential quarterback change.

“We just got back,” Morris said when asked if Cousins was still the starting quarterback. “We still have to go through that process. All those things will happen over the course of the week. We didn’t play well enough at the quarterback position.”

In previous weeks, Morris has backed Cousins despite the quarterback’s struggles. With rookie Michael Penix Jr. waiting in the wings and a winnable matchup against the New York Giants coming up in Week 16, it seems like a good time to make the switch.

Last week, it was reported that multiple players in Atlanta’s locker room think Penix is the best quarterback on the roster. If you look at Cousins’ recent numbers, it’s easy to see why.

The 36-year-old has passed for one touchdown and nine interceptions over his last five games. The Falcons have lost four out of five games and barely escaped with a win over Desmond Ridder and the Raiders on Monday night.

It’s hard to make the playoffs when you get so little production from the game’s most important position.

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Falcons vs. Raiders: Staff picks and predictions for Week 15

Falcons vs. Raiders: Staff picks and predictions for Week 15 matchup in Las Vegas

The Atlanta Falcons have reached a critical point in their 2024 campaign and desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Not only has the team lost four consecutive games, but quarterback Kirk Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass in over a month.

In Week 15, the Falcons return to prime time to face the 2-11 Las Vegas Raiders. While this seems like a game the Falcons should win on paper, they haven’t looked like themselves since their Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Can the Falcons turn things around on national television? Check out our staff picks and predictions for Monday night’s game in Las Vegas below.

Crissy Froyd (6-6):

Atlanta is on a four-game losing streak and things have gone from bad to worse for Kirk Cousins. It’s not just him, the Falcons are among the NFL’s worst in penalties and will have to stop hurting themselves to get the victory. Bijan Robinson and Brock Bowers should be major factors in Week 15. If Cousins has another bad game, though, don’t be surprised if the veteran QB is benched for Michael Penix. Winning the turnover battle will also be key for Atlanta. | Falcons 20, Raiders 17

Deen Worley (7-5):

There doesn’t seem to be much going for the Falcons this season. They once held firm control of their division but managed to play themselves out of the lead and now struggle to keep pace of Tampa Bay who seem to be getting hot at the right time. However, a loss from the Bucs doesn’t help when the Falcons don’t win themselves. The Raiders pull the upset. | Raiders 24, Falcons 13

Matt Urben (6-6):

Regardless of who plays quarterback for the Raiders on Monday night, the Falcons need to be on upset alert. Desmond Ridder may not be a starting-caliber quarterback, but revenge is a hell of a drug. Atlanta hasn’t looked right in over a month but I think the team will overcome a shaky start and defeat Las Vegas in prime time. | Falcons 21, Raiders 13

Monday night’s game between the Falcons and Raiders kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Atlanta is currently a 4.5-point favorite over Las Vegas.

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NFC South: Falcons-Buccaneers remaining schedule comparison

NFC South: Falcons-Buccaneers remaining schedule comparison..

The Atlanta Falcons are still alive in the NFC South race but need the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ help to secure their first division crown since 2016. In Week 15, the Buccaneers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers to improve to 8-6.

The Falcons will face the Las Vegas Raiders on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” in what has essentially become a must-win game. While the New Orleans Saints aren’t technically out of the running at 5-9, it will likely come down to Atlanta and Tampa Bay.

With that in mind, let’s compare the two teams’ remaining schedules.

Falcons remaining schedule:

  • Week 15: At Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
  • Week 16: Vs. New York Giants (2-12)
  • Week 17: At Washington Commaners (9-5)
  • Week 18: Vs. Carolina Panthers (3-11)

Buccaneers remaining schedule:

  • Week 16: At Dallas Cowboys (6-8)
  • Week 17: Vs. Carolina Panthers (3-11)
  • Week 18: Vs. New Orleans Saints (5-9)

The Falcons take on the Raiders tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Atlanta desperately needs a win after losing four straight games while Las Vegas could be without starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell.

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Report: Multiple Falcons players think Penix is better than Cousins

REPORT: Multiple Falcons players believe rookie Michael Penix Jr. is the best QB on the roster

The Atlanta Falcons cruised through the first nine weeks of the season before a loss to the New Orleans Saints sent them spiraling. There’s plenty of blame to go around for the team’s four-game losing streak, but quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ poor play is the most glaring issue.

Cousins has been held without a touchdown pass since Week 9 while throwing eight interceptions in that same span. With the Falcons on the verge of blowing their 6-3 start, many are calling for the team to bench Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr.

According to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz, certain players in the Falcons’ locker room believe Penix is the best quarterback on the roster.

“I truly believe the only reason the Falcons haven’t gone to Michael Penix Jr. yet is because of optics,” Schultz said during an appearance on FS1. “I’ve had players inside that locker room tell me point blank, Michael Penix Jr. is the best quarterback in this building.”

While Penix has only appeared in two games this season, he was considered one of the most pro-ready quarterback prospects in the 2024 draft class. This is why so many around the NFL were shocked to see Atlanta select Penix after signing Cousins to a four-year deal.

The Falcons planned to keep the rookie on the bench for the entire season, but you have to wonder how far head coach Raheem Morris will let the team sink before making a change. 

If Cousins fails to lead Atlanta to a win over the Las Vegas Raiders, who will likely be starting Desmond Ridder at quarterback, it will be hard to justify keeping Penix on the bench any longer.

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Falcons release KR Jakeem Grant for third time this season

Falcons release Pro Bowl return man Jakeem Grant for third time this season

The Atlanta Falcons released veteran wide receiver Jakeem Grant from the practice squad on Saturday. The former Pro Bowl return specialist has now been signed and released by the Falcons three times this season.

Grant, 32, suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries following his Pro Bowl season in 2021. Atlanta initially signed Grant to the roster in August before releasing him with an injury settlement roughly a week later.

The Falcons signed Grant to the practice squad in November but released him four days later. His third stint in Atlanta was even shorter. After signing with the team on Thursday, Grant was released from the practice squad just two days later.

While it’s not unusual for players to be signed and released from the practice squad multiple times, the speed at which Grant was released is somewhat odd. The veteran wideout has recorded 100 catches for 1,140 receiving yards and seven touchdowns since entering the league in 2016.

Grant has also been a dynamic return man throughout his career, racking up 1,228 punt return yards and four touchdowns, with another 2,699 kick return yards and two touchdowns.

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Desmond Ridder gives thoughts on facing Falcons in Week 15

Raiders QB Desmond Ridder gives thoughts on potentially starting vs. the Falcons in Week 15

The Atlanta Falcons will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, and they may see a familiar face at quarterback. Former Falcons third-round pick Desmond Ridder is in line to start for the Raiders on Monday night with Aidan O’Connell battling a knee injury.

According to a report from ESPN, O’Connell is a “longshot” to play against Atlanta. Ridder downplayed the significance of potentially starting against his former team.

“Like I was told in the locker room after the game, God works in mysterious ways,” said Ridder. “Whether I play, whether I don’t play, whenever that decision is made. Like I’ve said every week, I’m excited and blessed to be able to go out there and step onto the field and to be able to go play the game that I love, the game that I grew up playing.”

Ridder has appeared in four games this season, passing for 239 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. The third-year QB said he’s staying ready regardless of the situation or team he faces.

“Whether it’s against the Falcons, the Titans, it doesn’t matter who it’s against,” explained Ridder.

Atlanta is preparing to face Ridder in Week 15 but defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake doesn’t see it as a major advantage.

“We know him, but it’s a different scheme,” said Lake. “I don’t think it’s a humongous advantage at all.”

The Falcons are 4.5-point favorites entering Sunday’s game in Las Vegas. The team will look to end a four-game losing streak and stay in the hunt for the NFC South crown.

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Falcons reveal uniforms for Monday night game vs. Raiders

Falcons reveal uniforms for Monday Night Football matchup against the Raiders

The Atlanta Falcons are in a slump and their only way out is to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night football in Week 15. Even though the Falcons are 4.5-point favorites, they’ve lost four consecutive games to drop from first place in the NFC South.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass in over a month and has thrown eight interceptions in the last four games. Atlanta’s defense has been inconsistent at best this season. With that said, the team can quiet all this noise by leaving Las Vegas with a win.

The Falcons have revealed their uniforms for Monday night’s game against the Raiders. According to the team’s Twitter account, the team will wear white jerseys with white pants and red shoes.

Monday’s game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET inside Allegiant Stadium and will air on ESPN. Check out the Falcons’ latest depth chart and injury report entering Week 15.

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