Atlanta Falcons fans couldn'thelp but become incredibly frustratedwhen Michael Penix Jr.'s return to the lineup was ended with an interception on the very first drive. While it is understood that Penix is a far more capable passer than Cooper Rush, it appeared it was more of the same from an offense that couldn't get out of its own way. However, the defense did an impressive job buying time and as the night went along it became clear Penix was increasingly confident and able to buy in.
Penix finished the night 18/25 for 256 passing yards and a touchdown protecting the ball after the interception on the first drive. While it wasn't the arrival fans were hoping for, it did show the ability to recover from an awful mistake and keep a mentality that is focused on the next series. If the quarterback is going to become the future of the franchise this is a needed trait.
Bijan Robinson took pressure off the young quarterback early finishing just under 200 rushing yards and offering a pair of touchdowns. With such an elite talent in the backfield all that the Falcons have needed is a capable point guard to take pressure off Robinson and force the defense to play honestly.
No question, this is a performance that puts the future of the position back into question and leaves the possibility that the future is already rostered. The quarterback came through in big moments nad showed an insane level of chemistry with Drake London as the receiver finished with 194 receiving yards with a performance that would've made Julio Jones proud.
Falcons Have Reason to Continue to Consider Michael Penix Jr. as Franchise Answer After Thursday's Win
Watching the Falcons put up 35 points in what felt to be an effortless offensive performance after the first two drives was a needed respite for a tortured fanbase. Penix deserves credit for this and has put his name back into the conversation as a potential answer at the position.
With that said, there is a long way to go when it comes to the quarterback proving his standing with the franchise. There simply is no denying that this was a step in the right direction, and a push towards Penix earning more time in the lineup. The remaining hurdles are showing a consistent performance and proving that injuries are behind him with an ability to make it through a complete season healthy.
Atlanta finally has a level of hope that has eluded the franchise in the first two weeks as there simply was nothing to be excited about amid undeniable misery. Penix stepped in and changed this handing the Falcons a chance to fight their way back into the NFC South picture.
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