Can Michael Penix Jr. Be The Real Deal?

His 2023 season is what had scouts wanting him on their NFL teams, as he would finish with 4,903 yards passing along with 38 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He led them to a 13-0 season and would advance to the National Championship game where they came up short against J.J. McCarthy and the Michigan Wolverines. Penix won the Maxwell Award and came in second in the Heisman Trophy race and was the passing yards leader in college football. 

He joined the Falcons as the 8th overall pick and was expected to sit out a couple of years before Kirk Cousins was benched prior to Week 16 and Penix took over as starter. In his first game, he went 18-of-27 for 202 yards and an interception that was bobbled by Kyle Pitts. They would beat the New York Giants 34-7.

He completed his first touchdown pass to Pitts the following week in a loss to the Washington Commanders that took them out of playoff contention. He would finish his rookie season with 775 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions as well as a touchdown on the ground.

The promise that was shown was imminent, Penix threw for good yardage in three games, scrambled well, and showed some good decision making as a rookie, as some interceptions were bobbled by teammates. The team and other players liked what they saw and are excited for him to be a full-time starter in 2025.