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Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. explains what he learned from Matt Ryan
The Atlanta Falcons believe they have their quarterback of the future in Michael Penix Jr. The former No. 8 overall pick showed enough during his rookie season to earn the keys to the offense going into Year 2. Despite having veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on the roster, the Falcons had Penix link up with former league MVP Matt Ryan over the offseason. Ryan, who spent 14 years as Atlanta's starting quarterback, knows what it takes to succeed in this league and how to be a leader. Advertisement The Falcons are hoping some of those characteristics rub off on Penix, and it sounds like the second-year QB enjoyed his time speaking with Ryan. Following Day 1 of organized team activities, Penix was asked what he learned in his conversations with Ryan. "Just learning how to be a pro, each and every day, and how his process went and how he went about his business each and every day," Penix explained. "I feel like he definitely gave me a lot of good [advice]." Over 15 NFL seasons (14 in Atlanta), Ryan passed for 62,792 yards, 381 touchdowns and 183 interceptions for a passer rating of 93.6. The former third overall pick's best season came in 2016 when he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance and took home the league MVP trophy. Advertisement Penix was forced to sit behind Cousins for much of his rookie season before taking over the starting job in Week 16. The former Washington Huskies QB passed for 778 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. While Penix needs to improve his completion percentage, his ability to push the ball downfield seemed to open up the offense over the final few weeks. The Falcons quarterback is taking his leadership role seriously. Penix explained that in order to be a good leader, he must build relationships with his teammates. "I feel like you can't lead nobody whenever you don't know them," Penix said after Friday's OTA practice. "I feel like you got to build relationships. And for me, I want to get to know those guys so I can know who can take certain leadership styles." Around Falcons Wire This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. working with Matt Ryan on leadership
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Falcons post-draft position preview: Quarterback
The Atlanta Falcons left the 2025 NFL draft with five new players, including two first-round edge rushers. It was the first time in Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot's tenure that the team did not draft an offensive player in Round 1. With the 2025 season still a few months away, we thought it would be a good time to preview each position on the roster. Today, we begin by examining Atlanta's quarterback room. QB Depth Chart (3): Michael Penix Jr. Kirk Cousins Easton Stick Advertisement Penix enters the season as the unquestioned starter, but Cousins' presence still feels slightly odd. At this point, we have to believe the Falcons aren't bluffing about keeping the high-priced veteran QB. Assuming he's still on the roster, Cousins will serve as a quality backup. Easton Stick, who has 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns and one career interception, should be the third-string QB this season. 2025 salary cap hits Cousins: $40,000,000 Penix: $5,200,599 Stick: $1,197,500 When your backup quarterback makes seven times more than your starter, it's usually a sign that somebody messed up. Cousins would likely prefer to play elsewhere, but the Falcons have no incentive to do him any favors. Unless the team can get another team to pay a chunk of Cousins' salary, it's hard to imagine him playing elsewhere in 2025. Atlanta could get out of his contract next season for considerably less. Top free agents available: Aaron Rodgers Carson Wentz Teddy Bridgewater Tyler Huntley Advertisement The Falcons have no real reason to add another veteran quarterback. The only scenario I could see them signing another QB would be if they release or trade Cousins and want to add a more established backup behind Penix. Wentz and Huntley could be options in this scenario. Predictions/expectations for 2025 Penix showed enough upside in his three starts last season that we don't anticipate any QB controversies in 2025. The former No. 8 pick in the draft has all the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. With a talented surrounding cast and a rifle for an arm, Penix has a real chance to lead the team to the postseason for the first time since 2017. Around Falcons Wire This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB breakdown: Michael Penix, Kirk Cousins, Easton Stick
