When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall, they knew fans would have questions. What they probably didn’t expect was their strongest defender to be Matt Ryan, the franchise legend who lived through his own quarterback transition just two years ago.
That’s exactly what happened when Ryan joined “The Dan Patrick Show” this week and delivered a passionate defense of the Penix pick, even as it complicates things for $180 million quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Why Does Matt Ryan Support the Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. Pick Despite Kirk Cousins’ Situation?
Ryan knows what it feels like to be the veteran quarterback watching his replacement get drafted. After 14 seasons in Atlanta, he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, just before the Falcons selected Desmond Ridder. However, Ryan didn’t let personal experience cloud his judgment about the franchise’s latest move.
“I think Kirk coming in thinking he had a four or five-year runway, and then going in a different direction was probably difficult for him,” Ryan said on the show. “But I get the organizational standpoint…it’s the position you’ve got to take care of. And if you’re defending the Falcons, which you know, I’m biased cuz I’ve played there so long and root for them and all those kind of things, you have to get that position right.”
The former MVP acknowledged Cousins’ frustration while backing the front office’s long-term vision. Ryan understands both sides because he’s been there. He signed his four-year deal with Atlanta expecting stability, only to see the team draft his eventual replacement.
That experiment with Ridder ultimately failed, forcing Atlanta to double down in 2024Â with both Cousins and Penix. This time, Ryan believes the strategy has a better chance of working.
What Makes Penix Different, According to Ryan?
Ryan didn’t just defend the philosophy behind the pick. He specifically endorsed Penix as a player worth the investment.
“When you’ve got the opportunity to acquire somebody who I think is really talented, I think Michael Penix has a lot of talent, you’ve got to do it,” Ryan said.
The endorsement carries weight coming from someone who knows what it takes to succeed at quarterback in Atlanta. Penix wasn’t expected to go as high as eighth overall in April 2024’s draft, but his early performance has started to validate the selection.
In five games during the 2024 season, he threw for 775 yards with a 58.1% completion rate and three touchdowns with three interceptions.
While those numbers won’t wow anyone on paper, Ryan focused on what matters most for a rookie: growth over time.
“I think he played really well at the end of the year,” he added.
In a league where teams constantly struggle to find franchise quarterbacks, Ryan’s message was clear: When you identify talent you believe in, you have to act on it.
How Will Atlanta’s Quarterback Gamble Play Out Long Term?
The Falcons now find themselves in a unique position with two quarterbacks representing different phases of their timeline. Cousins, approaching 37 (on Aug. 19), provides immediate veteran leadership and experience. Meanwhile, Penix gains valuable real-game experience early in his career, setting up the franchise for the future.
Whether this becomes a success story or a cautionary tale remains to be seen. The dual investment has already generated significant attention around the league, with other teams watching how Atlanta manages the transition.
However, if you ask Ryan, arguably the greatest quarterback in franchise history, the Falcons have positioned themselves well for both the present and future. His endorsement suggests that this latest quarterback gamble has a real chance to pay off for Atlanta.
