Falcons provide an NFL draft surprise by taking Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pick
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons provide an NFL draft surprise by taking Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with No. 8 pick

Associated Press  

Follow AP’s live coverage of the 2024 NFL draft. FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons provided the first major surprise of the NFL draft by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. of Washington with the No. We’re very excited about that quarterback room.” New coach Raheem Morris said the Falcons wanted to draft Penix this year because they don’t plan to draft as high as No. It was kind of quick but we made it worthwhile.” Still, Penix said he didn’t know if the Falcons’ interest was serious until the call came during the draft. “If we see a player that we believe can be a franchise quarterback at any point, whether it’s this draft, next draft, whether it’s a player we can trade for, whatever it is, you have to bring that player in because we’re talking about the next four to five years plus when we’re talking about guys that we’re drafting,” Fontenot said.

Washington Nfl Falcons Pick Cousins Morris Draft Penix Fontenot Michael Penix Kirk Cousins  michael  nfl  quarterback  taking  talking  pick  im  going  draft  jr  falcons  morris  qb  surprise  washington  provide  penix  cousins  fontenot

History of this topic

Penix wins debut as Atlanta QB as Falcons return two picks for TDs, beat hapless Giants 34-7
Trending News
17 hours, 43 minutes ago

Penix wins debut as Atlanta QB as Falcons return two picks for TDs, beat hapless Giants 34-7

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Michael Penix Jr. won his debut as Atlanta’s starting quarterback, thanks largely to a defense that returned a pair of interceptions for touchdowns, and the Falcons bolstered their playoff hopes by handing the hapless New York Giants their franchise-record 10th straight loss, 34-7 on Sunday. The left-handed rookie was not overwhelmed by the moment, completing 18 of 27 …

Falcons turn to rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. for key game vs Giants
3 days, 19 hours ago

Falcons turn to rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. for key game vs Giants

Associated Press  

New York Giants at Atlanta Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 8 1/2. Falcons player to watch QB Michael Penix Jr. will make his first career start after the Falcons benched 13-year veteran Kirk Cousins. Series notes The Falcons have won three straight in the series.. New York’s most recent win over the Falcons was a …

Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes
6 days, 14 hours ago

Commanders-Falcons flexed to ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17: See full changes

New York Times  

A matchup that looked to be a meeting between current and former Washington quarterbacks has flex appeal. Instead, a game between two first-round rookie quarterbacks will get the “Sunday Night Football” treatment in Week 17. The NFL moved the Week 17 game with playoff implications between the Atlanta Falcons and the Commanders to the Sunday night slot on Dec. 29. …

Falcons have high expectations after 6 straight losing seasons
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons have high expectations after 6 straight losing seasons

Associated Press  

ATLANTA FALCONS EXPECTATIONS: After six straight losing seasons, owner Arthur Blank spent heavily and expects nothing less than a return to the playoffs. The Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith after he failed to turn things around during his three-year stint, replacing him with former Tampa Bay coach and longtime NFL assistant Raheem Morris. While the Falcons insist Cousins is the …

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. to sit again in Falcons’ final preseason game against the Jaguars
4 months ago

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. to sit again in Falcons’ final preseason game against the Jaguars

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has played in one preseason game for the Atlanta Falcons. The decision to give Penix limited playing time has raised plenty of eyebrows, especially since starter Kirk Cousins isn’t playing at all in the preseason as he returns from an Achilles tendon injury. “You’ve seen the amount of reps that Michael’s …

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. has good start for Falcons in 20-13 loss to Dolphins in preseason opener
4 months, 1 week ago

Rookie Michael Penix Jr. has good start for Falcons in 20-13 loss to Dolphins in preseason opener

Associated Press  

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Atlanta rookie Michael Penix Jr. completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in the Falcons’ 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. “So it was good to see our guys get a win in front of the home fans.” In addition to Penix’s first game, it …

Falcons owner Arthur Blank says optimism is increased by new names atop the QB depth chart
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons owner Arthur Blank says optimism is increased by new names atop the QB depth chart

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank says having new names atop the quarterback depth chart is among the reasons he is “more optimistic than I’ve been in several years” about his team’s outlook. “We’ve seen that movie when we didn’t have a franchise quarterback, and we didn’t want to repeat that again,” Blank said of the recent …

Falcons owner Arthur Blank defends Michael Penix Jr. pick: We’re ‘independent thinkers’
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons owner Arthur Blank defends Michael Penix Jr. pick: We’re ‘independent thinkers’

New York Times  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After more than five decades in business, 81-year-old Arthur Blank thinks a lot about all sorts of succession plans, particularly the one his Atlanta Falcons most recently botched. “We have seen that movie where we didn’t have a franchise quarterback, and we didn’t want to repeat that again,” Blank said Tuesday after visiting Atlanta’s training camp …

Cousins shrugs off drafting of Penix, says he’s ready to make it work for the Falcons
7 months, 1 week ago

Cousins shrugs off drafting of Penix, says he’s ready to make it work for the Falcons

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins shrugged off any hard feelings Tuesday over the Atlanta Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr., insisting he’s ready to compete and doesn’t think there will be any issues in the quarterback room. That dynamic has always been there and will always be there.” Even though he’s yet to play a game for the Falcons, Cousins …

Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. says he is ‘super blessed’ to learn behind starter Kirk Cousins
7 months, 1 week ago

Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. says he is ‘super blessed’ to learn behind starter Kirk Cousins

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr. insists he’ll have no difficulty adjusting to his role as the backup to new Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. I’m super blessed to be able to be right here in this position with a veteran in front of me, just learning from him and going about my business each and every day …

NFL execs on Falcons’ process after doubling up at QB in NFL Draft: ‘No adult supervision’
7 months, 3 weeks ago

NFL execs on Falcons’ process after doubling up at QB in NFL Draft: ‘No adult supervision’

New York Times  

The biggest surprise of the 2024 NFL Draft was the Atlanta Falcons selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. Less than two months after the team signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency, the move to draft a quarterback so early in the draft bewildered team leaders in an anonymous survey of current and former …

Penix wowed Falcons’ Morris, Fontenot with sound of his passes in pre-NFL draft workout
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Penix wowed Falcons’ Morris, Fontenot with sound of his passes in pre-NFL draft workout

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — There’s a reason Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot made a cross-county flight for a personal workout with Washington quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. before the NFL draft. “It’s a remarkable arm talent when you watch him throw the football or when you hear it,” Morris said of Penix. FOCUS ON DEFENSE Atlanta’s …

Commanders get their QB in Jayden Daniels, fill several holes in the NFL draft
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Commanders get their QB in Jayden Daniels, fill several holes in the NFL draft

Associated Press  

Dan Quinn was pumped to know Jayden Daniels will soon be throwing passes for the Washington Commanders and “fired up” about the rest of the talent coming from the NFL draft. The Commanders didn’t show their hand about Daniels being their guy over North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., though Peters called it nearly …

Top 100 prospects already scooped up but Saturday still stocked with NFL difference-makers
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Top 100 prospects already scooped up but Saturday still stocked with NFL difference-makers

Associated Press  

The top 100 prospects are off the board but plenty of playmakers remain for teams to pick through Saturday in the NFL draft ‘s final four rounds. The Washington Commanders then took Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and a total of 20 defensive players went in a round that had seven trades as teams were wheeling and dealing to get …

QB Penix hears from Cousins, Vick after landing with Falcons as NFL draft first-round surprise pick
7 months, 3 weeks ago

QB Penix hears from Cousins, Vick after landing with Falcons as NFL draft first-round surprise pick

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr., the biggest surprise of the NFL draft’s first round, received a congratulatory call from Kirk Cousins on Thursday night even as Cousins’ agent was second-guessing the Atlanta Falcons adding depth to their quarterback spot. He flicked the ball like it was effortless.” Clearly, Penix’s powerful left arm was the primary reason the Falcons, …

Five quarterbacks selected in first 10 picks of NFL Draft, most in top 10 in common era
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Five quarterbacks selected in first 10 picks of NFL Draft, most in top 10 in common era

New York Times  

Quarterbacks were flying off the board at a record-breaking pace early in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as five were taken within the first 10 picks. The Falcons’ first choice of the draft puzzled many, as the team recently signed NFL veteran and former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins to a deal that is worth $180 million over …

Kirk Cousins concerned Falcons’ decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. doesn’t help team this season
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Kirk Cousins concerned Falcons’ decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. doesn’t help team this season

New York Times  

The Atlanta Falcons made a surprising selection taking former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the No. When Cousins signed with the team this offseason, the Falcons told him they would be drafting a quarterback in the later rounds of this draft. Part of the reason Atlanta selected Penix is that it believes it won’t have a top pick in …

Falcons’ draft won’t be impacted by NFL’s investigation of possible tampering violation with Cousins
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Falcons’ draft won’t be impacted by NFL’s investigation of possible tampering violation with Cousins

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The NFL’s investigation of the Atlanta Falcons’ possible violation of tampering policies before signing quarterback Kirk Cousins won’t conclude before this week’s NFL draft. For Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, that means the team won’t lose any draft picks this year as he looks to build around Cousins. The Falcons signed Cousins, the former Minnesota quarterback, …

Falcons’ Arthur Blank: Bill Belichick didn’t ask for full control, wasn’t offered job
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Falcons’ Arthur Blank: Bill Belichick didn’t ask for full control, wasn’t offered job

New York Times  

Raheem Morris is the coach of the Atlanta Falcons today because he was the best candidate for the job, not because Bill Belichick asked for too much when interviewing for the job, team owner Arthur Blank said Friday. “He was very collaborative.” Belichick, whose 333 combined regular-season and playoff wins leave him only 14 short of Don Shula’s NFL record, …

Falcons mock draft reaction: Is Jayden Daniels the right pick for QB-needy Atlanta?
11 months ago

Falcons mock draft reaction: Is Jayden Daniels the right pick for QB-needy Atlanta?

New York Times  

Things don’t often fall into place for the Atlanta Falcons, which is why Dane Brugler’s latest 2024 mock draft is such a rare treat. They aren’t near the range necessary to take Southern California’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye, but Brugler thinks they can get LSU’s Jayden Daniels at their current spot. Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk would …

Mueller: How Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy compare as NFL prospects ahead of CFP final
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Mueller: How Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy compare as NFL prospects ahead of CFP final

New York Times  

The only thing missing from Monday’s matchup for college football supremacy is the pristine Rose Bowl venue. Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy are both so talented, and yet, they could not be more different. Skill sets Tale of the tape: Penix vs. McCarthy Name Michael Penix Jr. J.J. McCarthy School Washington Michigan Year 6th-yr sr. Jr. Age …

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’
1 year ago

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’

New York Times  

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he is “committed” to Arthur Smith but will “let the season play out and go from there” when asked if the third-year head coach will return in 2024. “Obviously, this has not been the kind of year we expected and you would hear that first from Coach Smith,” Blank told Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Jeff Hullinger …

Bijan Robinson outshines top pick Bryce Young as Falcons knock off Panthers 24-10
1 year, 3 months ago

Bijan Robinson outshines top pick Bryce Young as Falcons knock off Panthers 24-10

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The No. Bijan Robinson caught a touchdown pass in his debut and set up another score with a long run, giving the Atlanta rookie immediate bragging rights over Carolina’s Bryce Young as the Falcons opened with season with a 24-10 victory over the Panthers on Sunday. “I have to do a better job of executing.” Robinson, whose high …

2024 NFL Draft QB Tracker: Michael Penix Jr., Shedeur Sanders impress in Week 1
1 year, 3 months ago

2024 NFL Draft QB Tracker: Michael Penix Jr., Shedeur Sanders impress in Week 1

New York Times  

Read the latest 2024 NFL Draft quarterback tracker Each week throughout the college football season, The Athletic’s NFL Draft team will take stock of the prospective 2024 class of QBs. GO DEEPER NFL Draft 2024 Big Board: Dane Brugler's top 50 rankings for the upcoming season The main question for Penix’s draft stock is whether he’s more like 2019 Joe …

Terrell, Falcons defensive starters eager to make preseason debut against Bengals
1 year, 4 months ago

Terrell, Falcons defensive starters eager to make preseason debut against Bengals

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It wasn’t easy for A.J. Terrell to watch his Atlanta Falcons teammates enjoy their big plays on defense in last week’s 19-3 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins when he and the other regulars couldn’t join in the fun. “It ain’t fun sitting on the sideline,” Terrell said Tuesday, adding “cheering on is cool when guys …

Falcons’ Ridder emboldened by 4-game audition entering 2023 as starting QB
1 year, 6 months ago

Falcons’ Ridder emboldened by 4-game audition entering 2023 as starting QB

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Desmond Ridder’s four-game audition as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback at the end of the 2022 season was crucial for the confidence of all players entering the 2023 season. Matthews said after Wednesday’s organized team activities workout the four-game audition provided a “very” important reason to believe other starters on offense can have confidence in Ridder. …

Falcons look to draft to augment big free agency moves
1 year, 8 months ago

Falcons look to draft to augment big free agency moves

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons finally had some money to spend, and they used it to make a big splash in free agency. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. took note of that, projecting the Falcons to take Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith at No. “The thing we really want to focus on when we’re bringing players in is making sure …

Michael Penix Jr. on cusp of record season for Washington
2 years, 1 month ago

Michael Penix Jr. on cusp of record season for Washington

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! It’s always about this team, because team success would definitely put light on individual success.” There’s been plenty of individual and team success for Penix and the Huskies, who can finish with 10 wins in the regular season by beating the Cougars and have an outside …

Falcons rookie QB Ridder impresses Smith as a quick learner
2 years, 6 months ago

Falcons rookie QB Ridder impresses Smith as a quick learner

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Desmond Ridder has impressed himself — and coach Arthur Smith — with his ability to quickly absorb the Atlanta Falcons’ playbook. “He’s light years ahead of most other young quarterbacks from the neck up,” Smith said of Ridder. He said after Tuesday’s first minicamp practice he was surprised by his “overall knowledge of the offense.” The …

Falcons draft USC WR London, get much-needed big-play threat
2 years, 7 months ago

Falcons draft USC WR London, get much-needed big-play threat

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Maybe it won’t be so easy for defenses to focus all their attention on Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts after all. The Falcons continued to emphasize their passing game by selecting Southern California wide receiver Drake London with the No. London said he looks forward to joining Pitts as “twin towers” in Atlanta’s passing game. …

Falcons GM Fontenot finding it tough to predict NFL draft
2 years, 7 months ago

Falcons GM Fontenot finding it tough to predict NFL draft

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It seemed so much easier for Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot to plan for the NFL draft only one year ago. Days before the 2021 NFL draft, his first with the Falcons, Fontenot already knew he’d be taking tight end Kyle Pitts with the No. “When is the last time we sat here and everyone …

2023 QB class may influence Falcons’ direction in NFL draft
2 years, 8 months ago

2023 QB class may influence Falcons’ direction in NFL draft

Associated Press  

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The talent of the quarterbacks who might be available to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 could impact decisions by general manager Terry Fontenot with the No. The Falcons’ leadership could be weighing their grades of Willis and Pickett against the more highly regarded 2023 class that includes Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Former Tampa …

Falcons pick Florida TE Kyle Pitts at No. 4 in NFL draft
3 years, 7 months ago

Falcons pick Florida TE Kyle Pitts at No. 4 in NFL draft

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons decided not to pick their quarterback of the future, going for more immediate help by selecting Florida tight end Kyle Pitts at No. “From day one, I’m going to be like a sponge.” Pitts was the first pick for the Falcons’ new leadership duo of general manager Terry Fontenot and coach Arthur Smith. “We’re real …

With No. 4 pick, Falcons facing major decision in NFL draft
3 years, 7 months ago

With No. 4 pick, Falcons facing major decision in NFL draft

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have their highest pick in the NFL draft since they selected Matt Ryan at No. Do they pick the 35-year-old Ryan’s eventual successor — likely Trey Lance or Justin Fields — even though that player is likely to spend at least a season or two on the bench? Former scout Daniel Jeremiah, now a draft …

New Falcons GM Fontenot could select successor to QB Ryan
3 years, 8 months ago

New Falcons GM Fontenot could select successor to QB Ryan

Associated Press  

ATLANTA FALCONS LAST SEASON: Coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were fired following an 0-5 start. Signed: RB Mike Davis, S Erik Harris, CB Fabian Moreau, RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson, LB Barkevious Mingo, S Duron Harmon, OL Josh Andrews, DT Jonathan Bullard, LB Brandon Copeland, P Dom Maggio. OUTLOOK: The last time the Falcons entered the draft with a …

Discover Related