The Atlanta Falcons are being looked at in a far different light after a 24-14 win over the Buffalo Bills. Beating one of the league's premier teams in such dominating fashion on the backs of a great defensive performance was eye-opening. Forcing the league to take the Falcons seriously and look at the roster as a potential NFC contender.
However, there is still one remaining concern, and it is with the quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. This isn't to discredit the past two games or to take away from a bright future in any way. Rather, it is examining the reality of Penix's performance this season and pointing out the one flaw that Atlanta and the quarterback must fix.
Far too often, Penix gets uncomfortable or jumpy if his first read isn't there. It takes the quarterback a bit too long to come off his read and either take off or get rid of the ball to another option. This is especially concerning if the defensive coverage adjusts within a game. A very typical trait for a young quarterback to struggle with, and arguably the last thing holding Penix back.
Michael Penix Jr. Must Continue Development for Falcons to Take Next Step
This is the reality of the situation the Falcons find themselves in, sitting firmly in the NFC wildcard picture. To become a real threat within the conference, all the franchise needs is for the quarterback to take that next step in development. We're already seeing signs of this both against the Commanders and Bills, with Penix starting hot and executing the week's game plan at an incredibly high level.
Where the quarterback must improve remains when things go off script or the plan isn't working perfectly. These are the moments the Falcons have leaned heavily on the defense and must get more consistent offensively from the quarterback. If this can happen, the Falcons are going to be players in the conference a year earlier than expected.
It speaks to a great draft class from Terry Fontenot and an incredible job from DC Jeff Ulbrich of turning one of the league's worst defensive units into one of the best. The final missing piece is Penix maturing into the player Atlanta believes he can be. Now is the time for the QB to speed up his development and get hot over what is a very winnable stretch of upcoming games.
That is going to look like Penix coming off his first read a bit faster when the play isn't open, allowing Atlanta to count on its quarterback to make plays. If this development continues over the coming weeks, then Falcons fans will have every reason to be excited about what the immediate future could hold.