Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski was short on answers for Michael Penix Jr.’s rib injury after Sunday’s gut-wrenching loss to the Ravens, but his seven words about the quarterback’s struggles tell you everything you need to know about how bad things might be for Atlanta.
A Tied Game, A Devastating Hit, And No Comfort
Penix Jr. took a brutal hit late in the fourth quarter on a sack, right when the game was tied at 23-23. The Falcons were driving in a two-minute drill, trying to seal the deal, and then BAM. He got drilled hard in the side. Penix actually came off the field for one play, but then he returned to try and throw an incomplete pass on third down before Atlanta punted. Stefanski’s quote after the game paints a clear picture of just how much Penix was battling: “He was trying to work to get comfortable and could not.” That’s the kicker, isn’t it? When your QB can’t even get comfortable, you know he’s hurting. Then, in overtime, Tua Tagovailoa came in to replace Penix again, but that didn’t last long either. Tagovailoa threw an interception to Kyle Hamilton on only the second play of the possession, sealing the loss for the Falcons. What a way to go down.
Battling Through Pain, Facing Uncertainty
Before he ultimately had to exit the game, Penix Jr. was actually putting together a decent day, completing 19-of-32 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. Stefanski acknowledged his effort, saying, “I thought, versus a tough defensive front, tough coverage, I thought made some plays. Like every quarterback, you’re not going to make every play. But there’s things that he can certainly improve upon. But I thought he battled.” And you gotta respect the battle, right? But now, it’s not about how he played, it’s about what happens next. Stefanski didn’t have much of an update immediately after the game, only stating he anticipates knowing more in the coming days once Penix undergoes imaging.
Right now, the Falcons are left wondering about their QB situation. Penix battled, sure, but his health is now the biggest question mark after that brutal hit. The imaging in the coming days is going to determine everything for them. This ain’t just about one game; it’s about the entire direction for Atlanta after a collapse like that.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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