1. Trusting Atlanta's judgement
The same front office that drafted Penix didn't trust the quarterback enough to give him the reins. Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins before drafting the rookie quarterback and did everything in his power to keep the veteran in the starting lineup. Atlanta's front office hasn't changed since they hung two entire seasons on Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder. Even Raheem Morris pointed out that he was unlikely to have the head coaching job if not for the issues at quarterback.
You haven't changed the decision-makers who believed in Mariota, Heinicke, and Ridder as starting options. The fact that they had Desmond Ridder in the building for a full season and believed he was their best possible answer is beyond concerning. It is the only real reason that fans have for any concern over Michael Penix Jr.
There is no denying that Penix has far more talent than any quarterback the Falcons have brought in as their answer. Perhaps it is more reassuring that the Falcons didn't believe fully in Penix and put him into the lineup in year one. No matter where you fall on Atlanta's front office it has to be at least noted their recent track record at the position.
2. Penix's extensive injury history
There are very clear reasons that Michael Penix Jr. fell Atlanta's way in last offseason's draft. The quarterback has an extensive injury history and stayed at the college level far longer due to the injuriy issues consistently changing his career path. It is also a part of why the quarterback doesn't run as often as he did at the college level early on. Penix's injuries are the biggest tangible concern facing the quarterback moving forward.
Can Penix change his history and be durable at the next level? It is a question that will only be answered by time. Atlanta would be wise to have an above average backup plan over the next two seasons hoping for the best and planning for the worst.
In Atlanta's favor is the fact their offensive line is one of the strengths of the team. Countering that is the fact the biggest question mark on the offensive line will be guarding Penix's blindside. Kaleb McGary has been inconsistent during his time with the Falcons and remains a question mark going into the 2025 season. Despite all of this, there is reason to hope that the injuries are behind what appears to be a franchise quarterback.
3. How does Penix handle expectations?
When Penix stepped into the lineup the bar was impossibly low. Kirk Cousins imploded at the worst time and only managed one touchdown while tossing consistent interceptions over five games. It is arguably the worst five games of quarterbacking the Falcons have seen in recent memory. If you've endured watching Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota you know what an accomplishment that is.
Penix stepped in being given every excuse in the book knowing he had room to stumble. Going out and playing at an inconsistent level there were moments you would expect from a rookie quarterback. However, there were highs when Penix made plays only a handful of quarterbacks in the league are capable of.
We watched the confidence in his ability grow throughout each of the three starts realizing the range he has. Converting late key situations against Carolina and Washington further showed what Penix is capable of.
The point being we are yet to see the quarterback perform when there are expectations. With an offseason full of them building how will Penix respond. While there is no reason to believe the expectations become too big it is an unknown that has to be noted.