by With Falcons starting quarterback Kirk Cousins not playing in the preseason, rookie Michael Penix Jr. started Friday at Miami.
He did well.
“It was fun to see him go out there and execute some of the passes and we were able to do some things,” coach Raheem Morris said after the game, via NFL.com. “Basically, a very good night to him and I was really pleased with what he was able to do.
Penix, the eighth overall pick in the draft, completed 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards. He managed five drives, playing until the second quarter.
Her best play of the evening showed the kind of touch and precision that will generate a lot of excitement about his prospects.
“It was fun to go out there and compete with my brothers,” Penix told reporters. “I was just having fun out there and playing the game I’ve been playing since I was five years old. So no nerves, no jitters, just ready to go.”
Camp opened with Penix and Taylor Heinicke sharing the starting roles on the second team. Penix has since become the undisputed No. 2. The bigger question is if and when Penix will supplant Cousins for the starting job.
A big factor will be the team owner’s explicit or implicit preferences. Will Arthur Blank want to see the expensive veteran or the rookie who might have higher potential?
The Falcons have suggested Penix could be on the bench for three years or more. The most reasonable estimate is two years. It’s possible that by this time next year, Penix will be the starter and Cousins somewhere else.
