Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. expands on leadership style amid awkward Kirk Cousins situation

Earlier in the NFL offseason, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. discussed "finding his voice" as a leader and "connecting with everybody around the team" now that he has replaced veteran Kirk Cousins as the club's full-time starter. 

During a recent conversation with Falcons icon Michael Vick, Penix was asked to expand on his leadership style amid what could be an awkward situation for any second-year pro. 

"I'm not always that big vocal guy," Penix explained, as shared by Will McFadden of the Falcons' website. "I'm going to understand my players. I want to get to know my teammates because then, once you get to know them, now you know how to lead those guys. I'm trying to get an understanding of my players and building relationships."

The eighth overall pick of last year's draft, Penix was supposed to spend the bulk of his rookie season developing as an unused backup after the Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $180M contract that included $100M guaranteed in March 2024. However, Atlanta turned to Penix ahead of Week 16 after Cousins played poorly over a 1-4 stretch for the club. In the end, Penix lost two of three starts as the Falcons missed the playoffs. 

People within the Falcons reportedly love the "aggressiveness" Penix showed late last season. That said, he completed just 58.1 percent of 105 total pass attempts for 775 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions as a rookie. Such numbers indicate he could still look like a work in progress this September while Cousins waits for an opportunity to once again serve as an NFL starter.

"Being the guy, it's something that you dream about," Penix said about entering training camp as Atlanta's QB1. "You've got dreams of playing in the NFL. You've got dreams of being drafted. Actually being on the field out there, knowing that you're the guy now, it's different."

It remains to be seen whether or not the Falcons will let Penix remain "the guy" if he loses more than he wins ahead of the team's Week 5 bye. Theoretically, Atlanta could use that break to get Cousins ready to face the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 13. 

To his credit, Penix appears to recognize the expectations surrounding him this summer. 

"Postseason. Got to get into the postseason," Penix told Vick. "Seeing the Dirty Bird Nest and all the little highlights and fans. Man, they get rocking whenever we winning. So, I definitely want to get back to that. Winning football games so we can have the city turnt."