The Atlanta Falcons addressed their biggest offseason need by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. Therefore, it came as a surprise when the team selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Penix was considered one of the most pro-ready quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, which added to the confusion around Atlanta’s decision. The former Washington Huskies QB has yet to take a regular-season snap and only appeared in one of the team’s three preseason games.
Falcons safety Jessie Bates, whose locker is next to Penix, has been impressed with how the rookie has handled himself thus far. “He’s preparing like a starter would,” Bates said about Penix.
“It’s just cool to see because it’s a weird situation for him, I’m sure, but it’s a huge learning opportunity for him to sit back and see how this whole thing goes instead of just getting thrown out there in the fire.”
Jessie Bates & Michael Penix Jr. are neighbors in the #Falcons locker room. Bates is always talking defenses with him, and his side of the ball gets better against him in practice, and vice versa.
"It's a weird situation for him I'm sure, but it's a huge learning opportunity." pic.twitter.com/dQ576mCxOy
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) October 16, 2024
“He’s super positive-minded,” Bates continued. “If you know Mike, he’s just a cool dude. Just really don’t say too much but just going against him in scout team, that’s going to make our defense — we’re going against a real deal quarterback. And he’s going against a real deal defense as well. It helps out both ways, and I know he’ll be ready when his time comes.”
After Cousins got off to a slow start, many wondered if the veteran QB was still dealing with the effects of his Achilles injury. However, he has come on strong during Atlanta’s three-game winning streak. In Week 5, Cousins won NFC Offensive Player of the Week with a 500-yard, four-touchdown performance.
Penix had a prolific final season at Washington, leading his team to the National Championship game and passing for 4,906 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
