While Kirk Cousins is their present, Michael Penix Jr. looked the part of the Falcons’ future quarterback in his NFL debut.
Penix, who started and played five possessions in the first half of Friday night’s preseason opener against Miami, led the Falcons to a pair of scores. He went 9 of 16 for 104 yards that included a nifty 41-yard completion to Chris Blair that set up Atlanta’s first score.
On his second-to-last drive, Penix helped the Falcons offense take advantage of great field position that was the byproduct of Kevin King’s interception. He completed both of his pass attempts on Atlanta’s ensuing drive that set up Carlos Washington Jr.’s short touchdown run.
By all accounts, it was a solid debut for Penix, who is coming off a highly successful college career at Washington that saw him throw for 4,903 yards and 36 touchdowns last fall.
“It felt good to go out there and compete with my brothers,” Penix said following the game. “Just having fun out there and playing the game I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. So, no nerves, no jitters, just ready to go.”
Coach Raheem Morris seemed to share Penix’s sentiments.
“He wants one of those throws back that output he threw on the sideline, but he was able to through some progression. He was able to progress,” Morris said. “We get a little pass happy with him since he’s a first-round quarterback. It was fun to see him go out there and execute some of the pass plays and we were able to get some of the stuff done. … Pretty much, a really good night for him and I was really pleased with what he was able to do.”