Even though he’s playing backup to star quarterback Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. has impressed in the preseason for the Atlanta Falcons. His former college coach, Kalen DeBoer, explained why the former Washington Huskies star is ready for the NFL.
Penix made a strong debut, showcasing his talent and readiness for the NFL. The 24-year-old quarterback, who was selected eight overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a standout college career at Indiana and Washington, culminating in a Maxwell Award win and a runner-up finish in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2023.
In his debut with the Falcons, Penix displayed poise and confidence, completing 23 of 35 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns. He demonstrated his ability to make accurate throws, read defenses, and lead his team down the field.
His performance has generated excitement among Falcons fans and the broader NFL community, as he looks to build on this promising start and establish himself as a rising star in the league.
Former Washington Huskies Coach Kalen DeBoer Explains Why Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. is NFL-Ready
Just recently, DeBoer appeared in an episode of Green Light with Chris Long, a production of Yote House Media, on YouTube and talked about the Falcons rookie quarterback.
Long: “He looks ready to play. I mean it’s preseason, but he looks like a pro quarterback. He seems very calm back there…”
DeBoer: “I don’t know how his game doesn’t translate to the NFL, because you start with the arm, the accuracy, the touch. He throws an extremely catchable ball. I don’t care if it’s down the field, short shallows… He envisions and anticipates before it happens. He’s been through six years of college and he’s been through about everything you could imagine, whether it be injuries, wins, losses, he’s seen it all from different parts of the country and so he’s just a really mature guy that way on and off the field.”
Penix’s journey to the NFL has been marked by perseverance, as he overcame several injuries during his time at Indiana. However, he found his stride with the Washington Huskies, leading the FBS in passing yards per game in 2022 and setting the school’s single-season passing record.
The young quarterback’s journey has been marked by resilience and a relentless work ethic, which have allowed him to overcome obstacles and showcase his exceptional talent. As Penix continues to develop and grow within the Falcons’ system, he is poised to make a significant impact on the team and the NFL landscape in the years to come.
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