Give credit where credit is due. While a record of 12-16 during his time as head coach of the Falcons may seem disappointing, Raheem Morris has skillfully managed the situation by designating Michael Penix Jr. as the franchise's future starting quarterback. It's important to remember that Penix didn't exactly light up the field, finishing with just over 58% completion rate, along with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Yet from the podium, there was Morris this week in full control and unwavering in his support stating, "he’s finding his voice…when you take over the QB spot, there's a certain amount of humility about playing the position."
Everything would be okay if it weren't for the reality that veteran Kirk Cousins carries a salary cap impact of $40 million this season, which consists of a guaranteed base salary of $27.5 million and a prorated signing bonus of the remaining $12.5 million. Overall, Cousins' cap hit accounts for 14% of Atlanta's total cap space, an astonishing figure. However, the spotlight and this moment truly belong to the 25-year-old from Cookeville, Tennessee.
Even Falcons great Steve Bartkowski had nothing but praise for Penix Jr upon speaking to us at Athlon Sports. Bartkowski said, "Michael has incredible upside from my viewpoint. The ball jumps out of his hand and gets to where it's going quickly. If they build the right supporting cast around him, all things are possible.
When asked what challenges Penix Jr will face, Bartkowski added "you have to match up his physical skillset with his mental acuity which will come with more snaps. If that happens, then the sky is the limit for him."
We'll all soon enough as the Falcons will open training camp with their first practice scheduled on July 25th at Flowery Branch.
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