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NBC Sports
4 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
DAK PRESCOTT (COWBOYS), MICHAEL PENIX JR. (FALCONS), AND CALEB WILLIAMS (BEARS) HEADLINE EPISODE 4 OF CHRIS SIMMS' QUARTERBACK COUNTDOWN, NOW ON 'CHRIS SIMMS UNBUTTONED' AND 'PRO FOOTBALL TALK'
Simms' QB Countdown Continues Today with Next Tiers - 'Needs More Info', 'Is This It?', and 'Ready to Launch' - Continues with QBs #10-6 this Wednesday, June 4 and Culminates with the Top Five QBs on Monday, June 9; In-Depth Breakdowns for Each Ranking Weekly on Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast 'He's a leader in a lot of ways and he's everything you'd want your organization to embody and stand for.' – Simms on Cowboys' Dak Prescott '[Michael] Penix Jr. could hit some of the explosive plays that [Falcons backup QB] Kirk Cousins couldn't when he was the starter.' – Simms on Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. 'I will be shocked if he's not one of the most improved players under [new Bears head coach] Ben Johnson.' – Simms on Bears' Caleb Williams STAMFORD, Conn. – June 2, 2025 – NBC Sports' Chris Simms continues his list of the top quarterbacks in the NFL on the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast and on 'PFT Live' today, headlined by three-time Pro Bowler Dak Prescott of the Cowboys and 2024 first round picks Michael Penix Jr. of the Falcons and Caleb Williams of the Bears. This year's countdown features a new format, with Simms focusing on tiers and groups of quarterbacks as opposed to specific numeric rankings until the later rounds. Continuing the countdown, Simms unveiled his quarterbacks ranked in the next tiers today, with QBs in the 'Needs More Info', 'Is This It?', and 'Ready to Launch' tiers. Continuing today and moving on to QBs #10–6 this Wednesday, June 4, and culminating with his top five on Monday, June 9, Simms will unveil a group of quarterbacks on each Chris Simms Unbuttoned episode and discuss his rankings on 'PFT Live' with Mike Florio. Simms, a third-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2003 NFL Draft who played eight NFL seasons, will also offer in-depth player breakdowns and rankings explanations throughout each week on Chris Simms Unbuttoned. Simms has had success in projecting college quarterbacks – including naming Jayden Daniels, who was named AP's 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year following a season that saw him lead the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game, as his No. 2 QB prospect in 2024. Additionally, Simms named C.J. Stroud, who was named AP's 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, as his top QB prospect in 2023, Patrick Mahomes as his most exciting prospect in 2017, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as his top-two QBs in 2018, and Justin Herbert as his No. 2 QB in 2020. The rankings will continue Wednesday, June 4, on the next episode of Chris Simms Unbuttoned. The following are highlights from this week's edition of Chris Simms Unbuttoned: Needs More Info: Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons 'Michael Penix Jr. only played a few games, so I have to see a little more. Here's the big thing…the arm talent pops off the screen. There is no question about that. Penix Jr. could hit some of the explosive plays that [Falcons backup QB] Kirk Cousins couldn't when he was the starter. The only difference is that with Penix Jr., they had to pull back the playbook a little bit. He can make big power throws with ease. It was three games, and it was basic, it was the beginner's part of the playbook. They still had the training wheels on to a degree and that's why I need to see more.' Dake Maye, New England Patriots 'He's certainly exceeded my expectations. It looks like I'm wrong about my draft ranking on Maye [6th ranked QB in 2024]. The thing you love about him is his big play ability. First off, he fixed some of the mechanical issues I was worried about in college and that's not easy to do. He also became a more consistent thrower of the football, but there is no denying the big play ability. The ball explodes out of his hands and the running takes you by surprise. The bad is that he takes way too many unnecessary hits, and he has a little bit of that disease waiting for that one wide receiver to get open.' Is This It?: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys 'Injuries are a part of the issue, of course. I do believe his arm has also taken a step back in some ways...I don't love it. There's a reason there are always redzone issues with Prescott. When you compare him to some of the other guys, it's one of the slower releases in football. I love the way he handles himself and deals with criticism. He's a leader in a lot of ways and he's everything you'd want your organization to embody and stand for.' Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins 'When it comes to getting the ball out, he looks like he's in 'fast forward' compared to Prescott. His ability to be pinpoint in short areas is another advantage he has. Tua is amazing in that area, he just is. I love his quickness, his foot quickness, his ability to come off of a play action fake. Still, the big thing is big game football. Every year around December, we all start to question the highest paid player on the Dolphins, Tua, and if he's going to be okay.' Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars 'He's one of the tougher guys to rank because there's still unbelievable talent, but with the regression the last two years, is this just who he is? You get into last season, and it really got worse. We talked about some mechanical issues throwing the football coming out of the NFL Draft, and he still has them. His ceiling is higher than Dak Prescott and Tua [Tagovailoa], but his ability to make to consistent quarterback play is less than theirs. I expect [new Jaguars head coach] Liam Coen to fix him, but I've also seen two head coaches with him that haven't fixed him. It's going to be on [Lawrence].' Ready to Launch: Bo Nix, Denver Broncos 'Drew Brees Jr. has got a chance here. He's got a powerful arm, a quick release, and he can push the ball down the field with the best of them. His decision-making is off-the-charts good. His arm strength is damn good and he doesn't need space to do it. He always has a good base and because he's so strong and athletic, he can throw a 20-yard out route or an in-cut without taking a step. He's got a great compact motion and it's one of the quicker releases in all of football already. I don't have very many questions about what he can and can't do. To me, it's about experience and continuing to grow the playbook around him…Whose arm is better, him or [Washington Commanders QB] Jayden Daniels? I don't know, but it's close. I'm not sure it's not Bo Nix.' Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears 'I think a lot of the problems we saw last season were systemic. He had more on his shoulders from the get-go than [Houston Texans QB] C.J. Stroud or Jayden Daniels. Everything I watch with Caleb Williams, I go, 'This is coachable and fixable. I'm not going to worry about it.' But when you see his good plays from last year, it's as good as anybody you're going to watch. If you took his 40 best plays of the year, you'd go, 'Is he as good as [Buffalo Bills QB] Josh Allen?' Of course, there are the negatives: holding the ball, waiting for more, putting pressure on himself to make the 'big play.' But there were still a lot of good moments to go along with that. He doesn't have mechanical issues. I will be shocked if he's not one of the most improved players under [new Bears head coach] Ben Johnson.' To listen to the full player breakdowns on Chris Simms Unbuttoned, click here. -NBC SPORTS-
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michael Penix Jr. stats, game log, news, injury status
Michael Penix Jr. stats, game log, news, injury status The Atlanta Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. will see his first action of 2025 in his team's season opener versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 7. Penix recorded 775 passing yards (155.0 per game) with a 58.1% completion percentage last year (61-of-105), while throwing for three touchdowns with three interceptions. He also added 11 rushing yards on seven carries one rushing touchdown (2.2 yards per game). Get Falcons tickets on StubHub! Michael Penix Jr. injury news Penix is not on the injury list this week. Michael Penix Jr. stats (2024) Pass completions: 61 61 Pass attempts: 105 105 Completion percentage: 58.1% 58.1% Pass yards: 775 775 Pass TDs: 3 3 INTs: 3 3 Pass yards/attempt: 7.4 7.4 Rush attempts: 7 7 Rush yards: 11 11 Rush TDs: 1 Penix game log (2024) Week 7 vs. Seahawks: 1-for-1 (100.0%), 14 YDS (14.0 YPA), 0 TD, 0 INT, 0 CAR, 0 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD 1-for-1 (100.0%), 14 YDS (14.0 YPA), 0 TD, 0 INT, 0 CAR, 0 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD Week 11 at Broncos: 2-for-4 (50.0%), 24 YDS (6.0 YPA), 0 TD, 0 INT, 0 CAR, 0 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD 2-for-4 (50.0%), 24 YDS (6.0 YPA), 0 TD, 0 INT, 0 CAR, 0 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD Week 16 vs. Giants: 18-for-27 (66.7%), 202 YDS (7.5 YPA), 0 TD, 1 INT, 4 CAR, 3 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD 18-for-27 (66.7%), 202 YDS (7.5 YPA), 0 TD, 1 INT, 4 CAR, 3 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD Week 17 at Commanders: 19-for-35 (54.3%), 223 YDS (6.4 YPA), 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 CAR, 3 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD 19-for-35 (54.3%), 223 YDS (6.4 YPA), 1 TD, 1 INT, 2 CAR, 3 RUSH YDS, 0 RUSH TD Week 18 vs. Panthers: 21-for-38 (55.3%), 312 YDS (8.2 YPA), 2 TD, 1 INT, 1 CAR, 5 RUSH YDS, 1 RUSH TD Michael Penix Jr. fantasy insights (2024) Ranked 273rd overall in the league and 45th at his position, Penix accumulated 44.2 fantasy points (8.8 per game) in 2024. In Week 18 against the Carolina Panthers, Penix posted a season-high 25.0 fantasy points, thanks to these numbers: 21-of-38 (55.3%), 312 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT; 1 carry, 5 yards, 1 TD. Penix recorded 11.2 fantasy points (19-of-35 (54.3%), 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) in Week 17 against the Washington Commanders, his second-best game of the season. Penix accumulated 0.6 fantasy points -- 1-of-1 (100%), 14 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs -- in his worst game of the season. That was in Week 7 versus the Seattle Seahawks. In Week 11 versus the Denver Broncos, Penix put up his second worst fantasy showing of the year with 1.0 fantasy points, after recording these numbers: 2-of-4 (50%), 24 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs. Next game: Michael Penix Jr. vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Penix's Atlanta Falcons (0-0) have a Week 1 game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0). How to watch Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons Matchup: Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Time: 1 p.m. ET 1 p.m. ET Date: September 7, 2025 September 7, 2025 TV: FOX FOX Live stream: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply) Watch Falcons vs. Buccaneers on Fubo!
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons-Commanders rematch ranked among top games of 2025 NFL season
The Atlanta Falcons have been assigned their schedule for the 2025 NFL season, which kicks off at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7. There are several games worth circling, including five prime-time matchups and an international showdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. In Week 2, the Falcons will travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings on NBC's "Sunday Night Football." The team also has national TV games against the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams. However, Atlanta's most intriguing contest might be one that's scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Advertisement The Falcons will host the Washington Commanders in Week 4 for a rematch of their 2024 overtime thriller. Last season, Michael Penix Jr. connected with Kyle Pitts on a fourth-down touchdown strike -- the first touchdown of Penix's NFL career -- to tie the game at 24 in the fourth quarter. Washington went on to get the win in overtime, but it was a thrilling showdown between Penix and Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The Falcons-Commanders rematch was ranked among the best games on the 2025 schedule, coming in at No. 16 on PFSN's top 25: The Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons met in a critical Week 17 Sunday Night Football contest last year. A 30-24 Commanders win in overtime sealed a playoff berth for Washington and caused Atlanta to lose control of its destiny for the NFC South. As a result, the Buccaneers won their fourth straight division title, while the Falcons' playoff drought extended to seven seasons. That was just the second start of Michael Penix Jr.'s career. This time around, Penix and the Falcons offense should be better prepared for a rematch against reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Daniels' mobility will also be a good test for the Falcons' revamped pass rush, which added a pair of first-round rookies in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. -- Sterling Xie, PFSN The Falcons fought hard against the Commanders but couldn't slow Daniels in the fourth quarter or overtime. The team's inability to get pressure on or contain the former LSU star was ultimately the deciding factor. This likely played some role in the team's decision to add both Walker and Pearce. Both offenses should be among the most explosive in the NFL next season. The Commanders made it to the NFC Championship game after a shocking upset over the Detroit Lions in the divisional round. Former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn has done a stellar job since taking over in Washington. Advertisement We'll see if Raheem Morris can get the best of Quinn when the Commanders come to town in Week 4. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs Commanders: Week 4 matchup among top games of 2025 season
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons-Commanders rematch ranked among top games of 2025 NFL season
Falcons-Commanders rematch ranked among top games of 2025 NFL season Atlanta's Week 4 matchup vs. Washington ranked among best games of 2025 season The Atlanta Falcons have been assigned their schedule for the 2025 NFL season, which kicks off at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7. There are several games worth circling, including five prime-time matchups and an international showdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. In Week 2, the Falcons will travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings on NBC's "Sunday Night Football." The team also has national TV games against the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams. However, Atlanta's most intriguing contest might be one that's scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. The Falcons will host the Washington Commanders in Week 4 for a rematch of their 2024 overtime thriller. Last season, Michael Penix Jr. connected with Kyle Pitts on a fourth-down touchdown strike -- the first touchdown of Penix's NFL career -- to tie the game at 24 in the fourth quarter. Washington went on to get the win in overtime, but it was a thrilling showdown between Penix and Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The Falcons-Commanders rematch was ranked among the best games on the 2025 schedule, coming in at No. 16 on PFSN's top 25: The Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons met in a critical Week 17 Sunday Night Football contest last year. A 30-24 Commanders win in overtime sealed a playoff berth for Washington and caused Atlanta to lose control of its destiny for the NFC South. As a result, the Buccaneers won their fourth straight division title, while the Falcons' playoff drought extended to seven seasons. That was just the second start of Michael Penix Jr.'s career. This time around, Penix and the Falcons offense should be better prepared for a rematch against reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Daniels' mobility will also be a good test for the Falcons' revamped pass rush, which added a pair of first-round rookies in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. -- Sterling Xie, PFSN The Falcons fought hard against the Commanders but couldn't slow Daniels in the fourth quarter or overtime. This loss, along with the team's Week 18 overtime loss to the Panthers, likely played some role in the decision to add both Walker and Pearce. Both offenses should be among the most explosive in the NFL next season. The Commanders made it to the NFC Championship game after a shocking upset over the Detroit Lions in the divisional round. Former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn has done a stellar job since taking over in Washington. We'll see if Raheem Morris can get the best of Quinn when the Commanders come to town in Week 4.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 takeaways from Atlanta Falcons' 2025 schedule release
The Atlanta Falcons officially have their road map for the 2025 NFL season, releasing their 17-game schedule on Wednesday evening. Head coach Raheem Morris, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a retooled Falcons defense will look to finally end the team's seven-year playoff drought. Last season, Atlanta squandered a promising 6-3 start to finish with an 8-9 record. This year, the team is under immense pressure to win, especially after trading a future first-round pick for James Pearce Jr. Advertisement Will the Falcons finally get over the hump in 2025? Check out our five initial takeaways from Atlanta's 2025 regular season schedule below. 5 Prime-time games For the second year in a row, the Falcons will play five prime-time matchups, starting with a "Sunday Night Football" showdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. It only gets harder from there. Atlanta will host the Buffalo Bills for a Week 6 matchup on ESPN's "Monday Night Football" before hitting the road for another Sunday night game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. Atlanta has a Thursday night matchup against the Buccaneers in Week 15, and a Monday night game against the Rams in Week 17. Falcons to face 3 of 6 first-round QBs from 2024 draft Last year, the Falcons were one of six teams to select a quarterback in the first-round of the 2024 NFL draft. In 2025, the team will get to see three of them up close. In Week 2, Atlanta will face off against former 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings in his second NFL start. The Falcons will see former No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels in a Week 4 game against the Commanders, and former No. 3 pick Drake Maye during a Week 9 matchup against the Patriots. Michael Penix Jr. didn't get to play much last season, so it'll be interesting to see how he stacks up. Early Bye Week The Falcons' early schedule won't be easy, but they have an early bye week to make up for it. Atlanta's bye comes in Week 5, giving the team extra time to prepare for its Monday night showdown versus the Bills in Week 6. The Falcons had a late-season bye week last season, which didn't seem to help as they played their worst football down the stretch. Perhaps an early bye will better serve the team in 2025. Falcons drop epic schedule release video From the jokes to the execution, Atlanta's Mario Kart-themed schedule release video was a huge hit. The video was packed with references, including Matt Ryan telling the players to "get [expletive] set," and some harmless trolling of Bill Belichick and his girlfriend. It was an A+ effort from the team's social media team and they deserve a ton of credit for such a creative and funny schedule reveal. Bold prediction: Falcons will win NFC South The Falcons' schedule is no picnic, but there are several winnable games. Without the looming quarterback controversy, I think the offense will carry the team while the defense finds its footing under Jeff Ulbrich. If Atlanta can get off to a decent start heading into the bye week, I like the team to finish 11-6 and win the NFC South for the first time since 2016. Check out our full Falcons game-by-game predictions for the 2025 season. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons 2025 NFL schedule: 5 takeaways from regular season slate
