The Atlanta Falcons looked like one of the NFL's worst teams through two weeks. Two games later, they suddenly look like a team nobody wants to deal with. And Michael Penix Jr. deserves plenty of the credit.
After missing the first two games while completing his recovery from a torn ACL, Penix has returned to lead Atlanta to consecutive road blowouts over the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. The Falcons scored 80 points across those games, and Penix has completed 33 of 45 passes for 479 yards, two touchdowns and one interception with a 113.1 passer rating.
That is enough to change the conversation around a team that entered the season with plenty of talent but very little reason for optimism after an ugly 0-2 start. Now people are starting to buy into the Falcons again.
Even Colin Cowherd has taken notice. On an episode of "The Herd,"this week Cowherd argued that what Atlanta is doing is "not a mirage" and suggested the pieces were already in place. In his view, Penix simply had not previously had the right offensive mind to help him achieve his true potential.
"What you're watching with Atlanta is not a mirage," Cowherd said. "MIchael Penix broke into this league with a defensive coach. Bijan Robinson was there. Drake London was there... All these Atlanta pieces were there the last couple of years. He didn't have his maestro!"
Cowherd's take is interesting, but the bigger point is what has happened on the field that backs up that Stefanski is actually helping Penix develop into a franchise QB in real time.
Michael Penix Jr. has changed the Falcons' aspirations completely
The numbers make it difficult to ignore.
With Cooper Rush starting the first two games, the Atlanta Falcons averaged just eight points per game, the lowest mark in the NFL, while turning the ball over seven times. Since Micael Penix Jr. took over, the Falcons are averaging 40 points and 459 yards per game with just one turnover which came on his first drive of the season against the Packers.
The Falcons still have Bijan Robinson. They still have Drake London. They still have Kyle Pitts. The offensive line is still largely the same group. The defense still has the same collection of players. The difference is that Penix is giving the entire operation a chance to function.
Atlanta has won both games since the former top-10 pick returned by at least 20 points. The Falcons became the first team in franchise history to win consecutive road games by 20+ points, and they did it against the Packers and Saints. Two very tough road environments. That's a statement not only for a head coach in his second stop, but a young QB looking to cement his future here.
Now there is still plenty to prove. The Ravens, Bears and 49ers are next on Atlanta's schedule, giving the Falcons a much tougher stretch over the next three weeks.
Still, a few weeks ago, Atlanta needed to prove it belonged in the conversation. After what Michael Penix Jr. has done since returning, people are starting to wonder how far this team can actually go with Kevin Stefanski spearheading his development.
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