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Is A Michael Penix Jr. Breakout Season On The Way?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hery Acosta | Last updated May 15, 2025 4:23 PM ET

The Falcons have their quarterback for the future who they took with the eight pick in 2024, and he sat behind Kirk Cousins for 14 games. Penix showed flashes in his little time and that led the Falcons to naming him the starter for 2025.

Penix is looking to become the next big quarterback in Atlanta after many seasons under matt Ryan, and recent inconsistent quarterback play for the last couple of seasons. They now have a potential perennial pro bowler and future star behind center who looks to have a breakout season.

The Falcons schedule was recently released, and the hopes are high for this franchise as they look to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The team has not seen an existential amount of success since their 28-3 blown super bowl lead back in 2016 and have been going through what seemed like a never ending rebuild.

The rebuild could be over and Atlanta could find themselves as a top team this year if Penix has that breakout season. We have seen players like Patrick Mahomes have amazing full first seasons after being a backup as a first-round rookie.

Penix came out of college off a National Championship appearance and looks to build some momentum as a full-time starter. He has all the attributes needed to be successful in the NFL and he looks to be that missing piece that the offense desperately needed all of last season, as Cousins struggled to get much going.

Penix and the Falcons will look to be the next big thing, and it all starts with how he adjusts to being the starter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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