Could Michael Penix Jr. Be the Falcons’ Unlikely Savior in 2024?

“Like the player, but don’t like the pick.”Advertisement”An older quarterback with medical issues as a developmental pick is a bit of a head-scratcher.“The Falcons have big expectations for Michael Penix Jr. in his second NFL season. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Falcons have big expectations for Michael Penix Jr. in his second NFL season. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Falcons have big expectations for Michael Penix Jr. in his second NFL season. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Falcons have big expectations for Michael Penix Jr. in his second NFL season. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Falcons have big expectations for Michael Penix Jr. in his second NFL season. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

It’s wild how one pick can cause such a ruckus, right? When the Falcons snagged Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall last year, the reaction was nothing short of seismic—nearly everyone voiced disbelief, if not downright disdain. But here we are, a year later, and what once looked like folly is suddenly wrapped in a cloak of cautious optimism. Penix stepped in late last season and showcased glimpses of promise that forced the franchise to pivot and declare him their quarterback of the future. Sure, there are plenty of question marks—his limited NFL snaps and unimpressive raw stats need an overhaul. Still, with a foundation built around Penix, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London, and a defense bolstered by savvy draft moves and a fresh coordinator, Atlanta might just be gearing up for a fascinating season. Whether Penix turns out to be the kingpin or the team’s gamble backfires remains to be seen—but one thing’s for certain: the Falcons’ gamble has reshaped the narrative entirely. LEARN MORE.

Burning question

Can 2 rookie pass rushers fix the defense?

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Best case scenario

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Nightmare scenario

The Falcons haven’t had a good defense in many years, and that’s a trend through their franchise history. Atlanta has finished in the NFL’s top 10 of points allowed and yards allowed just once since 1998 and only three times since 1977. The Falcons have finished 18th or worse in points allowed seven straight seasons (and 23rd or worse five of the past seven seasons). Part of the recent problem is pass rush. The Falcons haven’t had a player get more than eight sacks in a season since Adrian Clayborn in 2017. That better change soon after the Falcons used first-round picks on pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. If both of them pay off right away, maybe the Falcons field a defense that finishes in the top half of the league. It has been a while.

The crystal ball says

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