The Atlanta Falcons were in a very complicated quarterback situation heading into the 2024 season. While their plan was clear, its execution wasn’t as good as the organization may have hoped for. Rather than Kirk Cousins handling responsibilities while Michael Penix Jr. learned the ropes, the franchise had to alter course quickly.
With Cousins a shell of himself in his return from an Achilles tear and inconsistency plaguing his run, the Falcons promoted Penix into the starting lineup before the season was over. Now the designated QB1, when is the Atlanta faithful going to get a taste of last year’s first-round pick in action as he enters Year 2 of his career?
Will Michael Penix Jr. Suit Up Against the Detroit Lions?
Getting three games as the starter to end the 2024 season, Penix went 1-2, while adding three touchdowns and interceptions apiece. However, his overall play gave Atlanta enough to believe in his upside over the veteran presence of Cousins.
As a result, going into Year 2, Penix will be the starter moving forward, unless something catastrophic happens. However, his season isn’t going to begin in the first game of the preseason against the one-seed in the NFC last year, the Detroit Lions.
Thanks to an intense practice session involving high-level work, head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that many of the starters, including their quarterback, wouldn’t be suiting up in Week 1 of the preseason.
Speaking to Cameron Wolfe on the NFL Network’s “Inside Training Camp”, he said, “You’re planning on not going because of what you’re going to do today. You’re planning on giving them the high-level work, the looks.”
It’s year two for Michael Penix with the @AtlantaFalcons.
Raheem Morris tells @CameronWolfe and @BaldyNFL why he’s so excited for the young QB ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LTNSsZewdK
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 4, 2025
Going into the new season, he’s clearly excited about what the future holds for the youngster, even giving the fan base a ton of reasons to be excited about the new year. “The difference between him this year and last year is he’s coming in as the lead dog.”
“He’s got a real control of the offense. It’s not the first time he’s hearing the formations, it’s not the first time he’s going through the route tree, it’s not the first time he’s throwing to these wideouts.”
However, when it comes to game time during the preseason, Morris remains adamant about being cautious with his potential franchise quarterback. For Penix, the 2025 season offers a huge opportunity in terms of his positioning in the league.
Even though he’s taken the leap over Cousins thanks to potential upside and a long-term vision by the Falcons, he isn’t immune to a demotion down the line. Cousins is still on the roster, and Atlanta is building towards potential playoff appearances.
As a result, Penix needs to establish himself quickly to ensure that the starting job is his for the foreseeable future.
