After one preseason game, the Atlanta Falcons aren’t taking a victory lap over their controversial Michael Penix Jr. draft pick. But they also aren’t regretting their acquisition.
Penix was inconsistent in his first NFL preseason action. He had some nice plays, including a deep pass that went 41 yards. He also missed a few throws that he probably wants back. That’s to be expected for a rookie in his first NFL snaps. It was fine for a preseason debut.
Penix completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in about a quarter and a half of work Friday night against the Miami Dolphins. He looked like he belonged on an NFL field, although there are still a few areas that could use some improvement.
Kirk Cousins said he wanted to get some snaps in the season opener, but the coaching staff decided otherwise. Cousins is coming off a torn Achilles tendon and the Falcons don’t want to risk having him play in the first preseason game.
That set the stage for Penix, the surprise eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Penix isn’t expected to see much action for the Falcons once the regular season begins unless Cousins is injured or completely ineffective, so the preseason is his only guaranteed chance to make an impression.
Penix completed his first pass, but it led to a third down, and on that third down he attempted a deep pass down the right sideline and threw it a little too far. It was incomplete and Atlanta punted.
Penix didn’t get much of a chance on Atlanta’s second drive. His second-down pass was completed, but was fumbled by receiver Chris Blair and recovered by the Dolphins.
Penix and Blair hit a nice big play right after Blair’s fumble. Penix showed a nice touch on a deep pass, Blair caught it and the Falcons had 41 yards. That was the highlight of the night for the rookie QB.
Penix made some mistakes. He threw too high to Casey Washington on an open pass early in the first quarter. He rushed a third-down pass under pressure that was thrown too long and incomplete, resulting in a field goal.
Penix had a chance for his first NFL preseason touchdown late in the first quarter, after a Falcons interception. His pass to tight end John FitzPatrick nearly got into the end zone, but Fitzpatrick was tackled at the 1-yard line. Penix’s fade pass to Casey Washington was thrown over. On fourth down, the Falcons went for it, cleared the pass from the 1-yard line and scored.
The Falcons’ first drive of the second quarter didn’t go far, with Dolphins cornerback Nik Needham quickly picking off an out route from Penix on third down. Needham knocked the ball away and Atlanta punted.
The Falcons have said Penix will play a lot this preseason and Cousins will likely not play a single preseason game. That’s good for Penix, because his opportunities could be few and far between once September rolls around.
