Michael Penix Jr. Commended By Falcons Fans in NFL Preseason Debut vs. Dolphins
Zach BacharContributor IAugust 10, 2024
Rich Storry/Getty Images
Michael Penix Jr. wrapped up a solid preseason debut as the Atlanta Falcons faced off against the Miami Dolphins on Friday.
The former Washington quarterback started the contest and played until he was replaced by Taylor Heinicke in the second quarter. By the time he exited the game, the score was tied 10-10.
Penix finished with 104 yards and completed nine of his 16 pass attempts. He showed off his arm strength against Miami, as his longest throw of the day was a 41-yard completion to wide receiver Chris Blair.
NFL @NFLPenix makes the connection downfield!
📱: Stream #ATLvsMIA on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/fJcfCmUO2x
It wasn’t a perfect night for Penix, as he missed some intermediate throws. However, it’s unrealistic to expect perfection from rookie quarterbacks in their preseason debuts and the 24-year-old still showed why the Falcons used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on him.
He also led Atlanta on multiple scoring drives, including a one-yard touchdown run by Carlos Washington before the end of the first quarter.
NFL @NFL.@_CWJr runs it in for a TD and the Falcons take the lead!
📱: Stream #ATLvsMIA on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/r5IaTM61e3
While fans acknowledged some of Penix’s inconsistencies, they were pleased with his overall performance.
Chase Daniel @ChaseDanielMichael Penix Jr. throws an absolute dime.
This is the exact downfield accuracy he showed in college. It was the best out of all the QB’s in this draft pic.twitter.com/QK6xORx7rt
Locked On Falcons @lockedonfalconsSolid debut for Penix. Accuracy could use some tweaking (as expected) but the decision making and poise was as advertised.
Marc Raimondi @marcraimondiPenix pump fakes and throws a dart over the middle to WR Casey Washington. Impressive play. #Falcons
Will McFadden @willmcfaddenMichael Penix Jr.’s night may be over. If it is, he’ll finish with a decent preseason stat line.
9 of 16 for 104 yards and a passer rating of 76.0
Brian Moote @MootePointsThe best part about Michael Penix is that he just seems totally un-phased by an NFL defense. The Falcons got a killer
Hando @matt_hildrethPenix with some lasers. Couple throws I’m sure he would like to have back but for the most part he’s been pretty impressive so far. Doesn’t look one bit nervous and you can see the poise. Night and day difference from Ridder. Really looking forward to watching him grow.
berri$! @boxmethenPenix sitting a year or 2 & getting healthy could be deadly
Kirk Cousins hasn’t appeared in a preseason game since 2021, meaning that Penix should continue to receive a lot of playing time throughout the weeks leading up to the regular season. He’ll look to build upon his inaugural performance during the Falcons’ next game, a matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 17.
