NFL
By Jalen Willingham
Michael Penix Jr. is set to be the full-time starter in his second season with the Atlanta Falcons. The bigger question is whether he can become the franchise quarterback the Falcons have lacked since Matt Ryan’s departure.
Rookie Season Recap
In three starts last season, Penix Jr. provided a much-needed spark. He threw for 775 yards and three touchdowns as Atlanta averaged 32 points per game, though the team went 1–2 to close the year. He also threw three interceptions, though two were tipped balls not entirely his fault.
Penix Jr. ended the year with an encouraging performance against the division-rival Carolina Panthers, passing for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and adding a rushing score. Despite a 44–38 overtime loss, he gave fans a reason to be optimistic heading into 2025.
Offseason Development & Supporting Cast
Penix Jr. enters the 2025 season with the support system that young quarterbacks need to thrive. Head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson both return, giving Penix Jr. continuity in scheme and coaching.
He’ll also benefit from a strong group of playmakers. Wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney offer a reliable duo on the outside. London is coming off his best season as a pro, and expectations remain high. Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier form a productive tandem in the backfield. At tight end, Kyle Pitts, despite his inconsistency, finished last season with 47 receptions for 602 yards and four touchdowns.
Recently, a video surfaced on Instagram and later reposted to X (formerly Twitter), showing Penix Jr. training with Pitts, London, and wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud. These offseason workouts reflect a level of chemistry fans and coaches hope will translate on the field.
Kyle Pitts posting a workout video with Michael Penix, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Drake London, amongst others! Glad to see the boys getting after it! pic.twitter.com/5pYcES4mVP
— Damski ?? (@Damski32) July 19, 2025
Up front, the offensive line remains solid. Pro Football Focus ranked the unit in the top 10 heading into 2025. However, the departure of center Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears leaves a question mark. Ryan Neuzil will look to fill the role after signing a two-year, $9.5 million contract extension.
External Expectations & Momentum
Momentum around Penix Jr. continues to build. NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks included the 25-year-old on his All-Breakout Team. Pro Football Focus has also highlighted his arm strength and off-script playmaking as key reasons to expect a second-year leap. With a talented roster and improved familiarity with the offense, Atlanta’s unit has the potential to be one of the league’s most explosive.
Still, some critics remain hesitant. Michael Penix Jr.’s accuracy and durability remain areas of concern, and with only a limited number of starts under his belt, some analysts want to see a larger sample size before fully buying in.
What’s Next: Year 2 Expectations
The 2025 season will mark Michael Penix Jr.’s first full year as a starting quarterback. Mistakes are inevitable, but continuity in coaching, a strong supporting cast, and a year of learning behind veteran Kirk Cousins should set him up for growth.
Penix Jr. possesses elite arm strength and flashes of poise under pressure. His biggest challenge may be staying healthy. His college career was marred by multiple injuries, including two ACL tears. But if he remains upright, he has the tools to elevate the Falcons offense.
After coming up just short of a winning season in 2024, Atlanta appears poised to contend for its first NFC South title since 2016. The key may ultimately rest on whether Penix Jr. is ready to take the next step.
