NFL insider on comparisons between Michael Penix Jr. and Matthew Stafford

There’s a different feeling around Flowery Branch. The intensity at practice has risen along with expectations, and most of it has to do with Michael Penix Jr., who many people believe will be the Falcons first franchise quarterback since Matt Ryan was traded three years ago.

The expectations do have to be tempered to some degree, though. While Penix’s arm was a rolling highlight reel in the first three starts of his career last season, there were also areas that need to be significantly improved. A 58.1% completion percentage with three touchdowns and three interceptions doesn’t exactly get quarterbacks into the Hall of Fame.

However, it’s difficult not to be excited when these kind of reports surface from Falcons training camp, comparing Michael Penix Jr. to Matthew Stafford.

“And I heard, from Raheem Morris’s Rams-centric staff, some Matthew Stafford comps thrown around,” Albert Breer recently reported for Sports Illustrated. “Michael Penix Jr. may not have the crazy-arm-angle throws that Stafford does yet, but his arm strength, accuracy and vision have all been top shelf, and he’s improved in changing speed on the ball, layering throws, and with his base.”

Even though Penix is a lefty, this is far from the wildest comparison. The arm strength of both quarterbacks was apparent coming out of college. Matthew Stafford has made a career out of making throws most quarterbacks wouldn’t dream of attempting. That’s exactly what shined brightest in Penix’s brief showcase at the end of his rookie season, when he made throws like these.