The story of the Atlanta Falcons' offseason continues to be the team's change at quarterback and how impressive Michael Penix Jr. has been. Three games were enough to convince the majority of Falcons fans that the team had its next franchise star. This is telling when you consider that Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota had recently been sold as starting answers. It was a jaded fan base that had every reason to doubt Penix but couldn't deny the obvious talent. If the quarterback is able to stay healthy, there is little worry that the quarterback isn't going to be a long-term answer.
Hopes have been continually boosted this offseason with every report and performance continuing to build the case that Penix is going to be a franchise star. OTAs and minicamp saw the QB continue to build chemistry with his receivers and show off an incredible arm. Gone are the concerns that Penix wouldn't be able to throw the needed touch passes at the next level. Everything fans have needed to see to fully buy in is present.
Falcons Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Continues to Bolster Hopes
Already, Penix and Drake London have shown off incredible chemistry, leading to the receiver being picked as a trendy breakout option for the 2025 season. In London's third game with Penix, the receiver caught two touchdown passes and piled up 187 yards. It was a dominating performance that promised what was to come for the duo.
Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson will both benefit as well after dealing with Kirk Cousins' implosion at the end of the season. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has an incredible group of weapons and now has the benefit of a quarterback capable of unlocking them. It will open up the ground game for Robinson and elevate Atlanta's speed. The only question mark remains Kyle Pitts and if the quarterback change is going to alter his recent underwhelming production.
Regardless, Atlanta fans continue to build excitement for the 2025 season and the emergence of a new franchise quarterback. Already, you have former stars pointing to the new starter as the breakout option for the 2025 season. This is based on both Penix and the incredible cast the Falcons have put into place around him. If the quarterback can stay healthy this season, the Falcons are going to break a playoff drought that dates back to the 2017 season. It is a long-overdue, exciting addition for a young roster.