There has been a lot of widespread debate across the NFL world about whether or not Michael Penix Jr. is truly the Atlanta Falcons' franchise quarterback. Depending on who you ask, some people are buying in while others are less convinced as they want to see him sustain this level of play across a larger sample size--and stay consistently healthy while doing so.
Ever since he returned from his torn ACL in Week 3, Penix has taken things to another level. In just five starts this season, the Falcons are averaging 31 points per game, just knocked off the undefeated 49ers in his best start of the season, and has a 9:1 TD:INT ratio since making his return to the lineup.
Now that the former top-10 pick is in an offense that's catered to his strengths, we're finally seeing the shades of potential we always knew was there. He currently ranks eighth among all qualified quarterbacks in EPA per dropback, and his completion percentage has risen considerably from 2025.
This breakout season has many across the NFL world starting to believe in Penix, but it also has guys in Atlanta's locker room impressed with what they've seen from their QB1. And the biggest endorsement came from star safety Jessie Bates II, who while talking to reporters on Monday sent a clear message to the anti-Penix conglomerate: he sees this as for real.
"When No. 9 is out there, this is a completely different football team," Bates said. "I truly believe he's a franchise quarterback. ... You can sleep good at night when you have Michael Penix playing quarterback for you."
The Falcons are finally buying into Michael Penix Jr. as a franchise QB
For starters, it's encouraging to see the Falcons' locker room is buying into the Penix hype and that they truly believe in him despite everything he's been through, That will be great for his confidence, but QBs also have to rally the team behind them, and it's safe to say he's succeeding in that area.
Despite having only been here four years, Jessie Bates is a four-time captain and is one of the most respected leaders in this Dirty Birds' locker room. So his comments speak volumes about how this team actually feels about Michael Penix Jr. internally compared to all of the external noise--and this isn't Bates trying to campaign for an extension because his on-field play of late has done that for him.
Of course, Bates knows how to lead by example so he'd never besmirch him to the media, but I don't think he ever would anyways. He's not the type to say something he doesn't mean because he loves this team and this city, and he's been praised everywhere he's gone for being an A-Plus teammate and is known for being a mentor to younger players like Penix.
For all of the questions that seem to follow the 26-year-old around no matter what he does, it doesn't matter as much what the talking heads on ESPN or the critics on Twitter have to say. What matters most is that the people in the building believe in this kid, and by all accounts, they see a franchise guy.
That starts with the guys in the locker room, but this new regime should believe in him too. The Washington product has translated well to playing under-center more often in Tommy Rees' offense, and the added play-action looks have capitalized on one of the best arm talents in this league.
Frankly, Jessie Bates just said what every Falcons fan was thinking here: Michael Penix Jr. is a franchise quarterback and while things aren't perfect, he still deserves his props for what he's done these last few weeks.
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