When Michael Penix Jr. was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 8th overall pick in this year’s draft, many questioned the logic behind the move. Drafting a young quarterback with a high lottery is not something that can be justified when they just signed Kirk Cousins to a massive deal.
However, it seems, that deal or Cousins’ ability as a good quarterback has not fazed the rookie. After undergoing rookie minicamp training at the Falcons practice facility, Michael Penix Jr. was asked by reporters about the QB competition.
Being humble and being unselfish. Football is the ultimate team sport. If you're on the team you can't make it about you at any point. I'm just trying to find ways to help the team be better. We on the same team. We have the same goals. Right here in this position with a veteran in front of me. Just learning from him, trying to find ways to get to where he is. I've been through adversity. I've been in moments where I wasn't on the field, waiting for my turn. Whenever my time comes, whenever my number is called, I just gotta make sure I'm ready. Michael Penix Jr. said
Essentially, he was unfazed if he loses the starting QB job. He will wait for his time to come.
Kirk Cousins will be with the Falcons at least until the end of next season. That is when the Falcons can get out of the contract with the least amount of cap hit. It effectively means Penix Jr. will have to wait until then. Unless injuries or bad play from Cousins paves the way for him to start.
The rookie does not have the pressure to start. He knows that his team have paid Cousins to be the starting QB. His job is to learn and take over when his time comes. The Falcons have effectively secured their future and their present.
Atlanta Falcons have a bright future with Michael Penix Jr.
The most outstanding memory any football fan has of the Atlanta Falcons was when they blew their chances of winning the Super Bowl despite leading 28-3 in the 3rd quarter. Since then, they have been mired in mediocrity. Now, the franchise has a chance to turn their fortunes around. At least the new core suggests that.
Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts are all under 24 years old. Essentially, the offense has key personnel who can stay together for a long time. Key in building chemistry that could pave the way for a high-powered offense. If head coach Raheem Morris can develop young players on the defensive side, the Falcons can look to dominate for a long time.
Development accelerates with good play on the field. That was the logic in handing the keys to Kirk Cousins. By the time the skill position players are developed, Penix Jr. can take over as the starting QB and have reliable weapons at his disposal.
