Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a blunt message for the division rival New Orleans Saints ahead of their Monday night matchup, making it clear he does not have much good to say about Atlanta’s longtime rival.
“It’s a nice dome. That’s probably the only nice thing I can say about them,” Penix told ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.
The Falcons and Saints have shared the NFC South since the division was formed in 2002, and their matchups have often carried implications beyond the standings - This one will be no different as the winner will be tied for first place in the division with the Panthers, who are now 2-2 after a big win last night.
For years now, the Falcons have programmed their players to hate the team in New Orleans. The Drew Brees and Matt Ryan years have defined that, and now a new era of this rivalry will take the field tonight as Michael Penix Jr. will face off with Tyler Shough for the first time as NFL starters.
Penix’s comment may be remembered as part of the buildup, but the response on the field will ultimately carry more weight. The Falcons have an opportunity to turn the added attention into a divisional win, while the Saints can use their home crowd setting to defend their turf in a game 20-honoring the 20-year anniversary of their first game back at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.
The Falcons need Michael Penix Jr. to perform in tonight's rivalry game
While the quote and stakes of the rivalry have drawn attention, Michael Penix Jr.’s performance will be the bigger storyline for the Atlanta Falcons if they want to improve to 2-2.
His return against Green Bay came 312 days after he tore his ACL, and he had spent the opening weeks of the season working his way back to full health. Penix said before his return that he was ready to play once his knee felt healthy, and the Falcons made him their starter against the Packers.
Atlanta will need that progress to continue against the New Orleans Saints. Monday’s game gives Penix another opportunity to build chemistry with his receivers and establish consistency after missing significant time. It also places him in a divisional road environment, where communication and ball security can become especially important.
The Falcons have more at stake than bragging rights.
A win against a division opponent can help shape the NFC South race, while a loss would give the Saints an important result in the early stretch of the season. Penix’s return gives Atlanta a quarterback who can help drive the offense, but the team will need a complete performance to leave New Orleans with a victory--which means going toe-to-toe with Shough and their playmakers.
Michael Penix Jr. has already made his feelings about the Saints known. Now he has a chance to make his first matchup with New Orleans as Atlanta’s starting quarterback count. His comment might give the rivalry a little more fuel, but the Falcons will have to do their talking on the field.
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