After an inconsistent start to the year, Michael Penix Jr. has begun showing the improvement the Atlanta Falcons hoped to see.
His latest performance against the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers was another good sign as Penix threw for 213 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the Falcons 29-20 dub… And not only that, he was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week for this showing.
Your NFC Offensive Player of the Week, Michael Penix Jr. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZKHwEW6C9F
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 28, 2026
And while Penix deserves plenty of credit for his Year 3 breakout, the impact of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees shouldn't be overlooked in these conversations.
The 33-year-old play-caller has helped introduce a different approach to Atlanta's passing game, putting Penix in situations that appear to better suit his strengths.
Tommy Rees deserves a lot of the credit for Michael Penix Jr.'s success
One of the biggest differences in the Atlanta Falcons offense this season has been how the coaching staff is using Michael Penix Jr..
Under former offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, Penix operated primarily out of shotgun and pistol formations. Now, with Kevin Stefanski as head coach and Rees coordinating the offense, Atlanta has made a more deliberate effort to get its quarterback under center.
That change has opened up more opportunities for play-action looks and given Penix different ways to attack opposing defenses down the field. And so far, the results have been encouraging--which you would expect from a QB with Penix's arm.
Of course Rees isn't solely responsible for his improvement. Stefanski has a major influence on the offensive system, and the former top-10 pick deserves credit for executing to this level.
Still, Rees is the offensive coordinator, and his role in helping Penix adjust to a different style of football shouldn't go unnoticed. But a younger mind that's
Falcons may finally be getting the quarterback they drafted in Michael Penix Jr.
With a better support system from Rees and Stefanski, Michael Penix Jr. has shown better command of the offense, appears more comfortable making decisions and is beginning to take advantage of opportunities that weren't always available to him in Atlanta's previous system.
Sunday's victory over San Francisco was a good example.
Penix completed 25 of 34 passes and connected with three different receivers for touchdowns, including a 21 yard strike to Drake London that extended Atlanta's lead early in the fourth quarter. Penix also completed 11 consecutive passes during the first half.
Sure the performance wasn't perfect. Penix missed some throws downfield, and Atlanta benefited from four San Francisco turnovers that gave the offense additional opportunities.
But that's part of what made the performance encouraging. The 26-year-old didn't need to put up 350 passing yards or carry the entire offense for Atlanta to beat one of the league's best teams.
He took care of the football, found his receivers and helped the Falcons capitalize when they needed to. Rees deserves credit for helping put him in that position. And against a defense that was ready to send pressure to throw him off his rhythm, he got the ball out quickly so the blitz wouldn't affect him.
And if he continues playing this way, starting with a crucial Week 8 matchup against the Buccaneers, Tommy Rees' work with Michael Penix Jr. could end up being one of the most important developments of the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google