Watch: Falcons' Penix catches bad break on first interception

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Watch: Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. catches bad break on first interception

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 22, 2024 3:12 PM ET

Although Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw an interception in his debut on Sunday, it wasn't all his fault.

On a 3rd-and-2 at New York's 7-yard line at the end of the second quarter against the New York Giants, Penix threw a quick pass to tight end Kyle Pitts. It was a well-thrown ball, but Pitts juggled it before Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott intercepted it.

Juggled and picked off by the Giants at the goal line!

: #NYGvsATL on FOX
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/PdRfXIGHCa
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Earlier this week, Penix replaced Falcons QB Kirk Cousins. In 14 starts, the four-time Pro Bowler is 7-7 and has tossed 18 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions. Entering Sunday's game, Atlanta ranked 21st in the league in points scored (20.9).

However, Atlanta's offense will continue to falter if Pitts doesn't improve. Through his first 14 games, the fourth-year TE has 40 receptions for 536 yards and three TD catches. He also has four drops, per Pro Football Reference.

Penix — the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft — needs consistent targets to help him build his confidence.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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