Raheem Morris tried to put his best foot forward when he boosted Michael Penix Jr. to the frontline. Just not as of yet in the preseason game. Last season, he started three games and connected on 61 of 105 attempts for 775 yards, throwing three touchdowns against three interceptions, finishing with a 78.9 passer rating. Even though the Falcons did not make the playoffs, Raheem Morris values his impact but is unwilling to risk his health in August. The coach has vowed Penix will take no live snaps this preseason, determined to protect the second-year QB from the unnecessary hits.
This offseason, Michael Penix Jr. has leapfrogged Kirk Cousins on the Falcons’ depth chart. Even though Coach Raheem Morris backed Cousins with praise, saying “He’s been really good,” Morris said via team transcript. “You’re talking about going through progressions and actually throwing the ball wherever you need to throw it.” The torch now rests firmly in Penix’s hands as the Year 2 starter.
When asked about the challenge of leading the offense all season, in an interview, Penix answered with composure. “Yeah, it’s a lot of confidence, you know, especially having offseason with the guys, you know, being able to have those reps that I wasn’t able to have last year, you know, it brings a lot of confidence and just ready to go.” His tone carried the assurance of a veteran ready for the spotlight.
Penix credits the system and chemistry built under offensive coordinator Zach Robinson, now also in his second year. “I know all those guys can make a play. Obviously, D. John and Charlie in the backfield, they’re going to make big time plays for us as well. And we’re behind a great offensive line, so it’s exciting. And I can’t wait to see what we do this year. I can’t wait to see all those weapons out on the field. We’ll probably have to wait until the actual regular season for that.” The stage is set for a high-powered offensive push as an intense competition is brewing in the locker room for the WR 6/7 spot on the roster.
While Drake London and Darnell Mooney are likely starters, and Ray-Ray McCloud has a defined slot role, several players are vying for the remaining spots. This includes players like Casey Washington, Khadarel Hodge, Bryan Edwards, and Chris Blair, among others. Penix Jr is happy to let the competition play out and bring the best forward. “You know, those guys have been doing a tremendous job all camp, making plays up and down the field each and every day. So it’s exciting to see each and every day. And I know that whenever one of them is on the field with me, I have all the confidence in the world with them out there, and it’s no beat skill with them.”
Even though the roster is coming along greatly, Morris is sure somewhere in the corner shaking his head in disappointment with recent updates on Micahel Penix Jr.
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