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With Or Without Cousins, It's Time For Michael Penix Jr. To Take The Reins In Atlanta

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Petry | Last updated May 23, 2025 11:44 AM ET

As OTAs start for the Atlanta Falcons, they will enter the start of the 2025 NFL season with a new leader under center.

A step up from last season, Michael Penix Jr. will now enter OTAs as the leader at the quarterback position. Last year, he would come in as a rookie backup to Kirk Cousins, with no projection of being thrust into the starting rotation during the same season.

After Cousins' benching, Penix Jr. would start the season's last three games and play pretty well. Penix Jr. will be trusted to lead the offense this year, starting week one. The Falcons have all the comfort and confidence in the world for him to get it done and lead this team to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

"I would say that Mike approaches everything pretty much the exact same, no matter what role he is in. He just puts his head down, and he goes to work." Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said.

"But he's such a low-key guy that I'm not sure his demeanor or anything changes based on his situation. He just gets the work done, and puts in a ton of work on and off the field. So, it is fun for him coming in knowing everybody is looking at you to lead now." Robinson also said.

Ever after last season's trial by fire, Penix Jr. is optimistic and excited to be in a full-time role. When Atlanta would surprise everyone and select him in last year's NFL Draft in the first round, they couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a backup such as Penix Jr. He has a great internal clock, poise in the pocket, and a cannon for an arm.

The leadership opportunities for a rookie aren't always easy, but he handled it well last year, and now, he will be ready to take the reins and lead the Atlanta Falcons back to prominence.

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

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