The Atlanta Falcons looked utterly lost for two weeks, stumbling around like they were desperately searching for any sign of an offense. Then Michael Penix Jr. stepped onto the field for one incredible night at Lambeau, and suddenly, everyone in the entire league is wondering why the heck they ever looked anywhere else! After almost ten months away from the game, Penix shook off an early interception like it was nothing and helped Atlanta absolutely hammer the Green Bay Packers, 35-14, on Thursday night. Talk about a statement!
Penix Drops a 498-Yard Bomb on Green Bay
Seriously, the difference Michael Penix Jr. makes is just wild. The Falcons entered Week 3 at a dismal 0-2, but they bounced out of Wisconsin with their first win of the season and a completely different vibe around their quarterback situation. Penix finished the game an impressive 18-of-25 for 256 yards, tossing one touchdown and one interception. But those numbers don’t even tell the whole story. Atlanta’s offense, which was averaging a pathetic eight points per game before Thursday, exploded for a monstrous 498 total yards. They absolutely torched Green Bay on the ground too, piling up 244 rushing yards! Robert Mays nailed it, saying Penix is probably “no. 1 on my ‘QBs that I want to be good because it would be cool’ list.” Ed Werder saw it too, writing, “Michael Penix looking superb in his first game in 9 1/2 months. Understandably shaky start, but he’s on it now.” Penix was only named the starter earlier this week after he finished recovering from a torn ACL from last season, with Cooper Rush opening the year. This dude just changed everything.
Atlanta Fans Are Already Ready to Crown Their Guy
After a performance like that, you know the reactions are gonna be flying! One fan wasn’t holding back, declaring, “The Falcons don’t need a franchise QB. The Falcons already have a franchise QB. His name is Michael Penix Jr.” Boom! Another reaction went straight for the jugular, saying Penix was “Better than Jordan Love,” the QB he just beat. That comparison is definitely going to get some serious traction after this game, don’t you think? Love threw 53 passes for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, but Green Bay could only manage a paltry 17 rushing yards. Penix didn’t even need to carry the whole load for Atlanta, because Bijan Robinson went off for 194 rushing yards and Drake London erupted for another 194 through the air. Before Thursday, Atlanta ranked No. 29 in the league with a PFN Team Impact grade of 69.4, and their offensive mark was a dismal 60.8. Penix just blew that stat out of the water.
Atlanta spent the first two weeks just trying to survive until Penix was ready to roll. Now, after his first night back, it honestly feels like the Falcons’ season has finally just started. What will Week 4 bring for this suddenly transformed Atlanta squad?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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