Quarterback play has dominated discussions surrounding the Atlanta Falcons for the past five years, and 2026 has been no exception. Atlanta opened the season 0-2 behind lackluster performances from Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. Tua Tagovailoa was expected to start the season, but an oblique injury suffered in practice delayed his debut.
Any semblance of a quarterback competition quickly vanished when Michael Penix Jr. returned from injury in Week 3. Since reclaiming the starting job, Penix has led Atlanta to a 2-1 record across three consecutive prime-time matchups.
With three starts behind him, here’s how Penix has performed since returning to the starting lineup.
Michael Penix Jr. Report Card
Game 1: Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers | 35-14 Win
Penix’s season got off to a rocky start with an interception on his opening drive. Targeting Jahan Dotson over the middle, Penix forced a pass that Xavier McKinney jumped for the pick. Drake London, his initial read, broke open, but Penix moved off him too quickly. Poor timing with Dotson compounded the mistake, resulting in an underwhelming start to his return.
However, Penix was making his first appearance since November 2025, nearly a year removed from game action. After a sluggish first quarter, he settled in as Bijan Robinson and the rushing attack opened up the passing game.
Penix completed 13 of 15 passes in the second and third quarters, including a perfect 5-for-5 on third down. He finished 18 of 25 for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The advanced metrics further reflected Penix’s strong performance. He posted 0.37 expected points added (EPA) per dropback and an 8.8% completion percentage over expected (CPOE). His 2.19-second average time to throw helped Atlanta avoid sacks, while his 10.24 yards per attempt demonstrated his ability to generate explosive plays. Penix earned a 77.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), fifth-highest among Falcons offensive players.
Penix also reestablished his connection with London, connecting with the receiver nine times for 194 yards. Atlanta rolled to a 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers, more than doubling its combined point total from the first two games.
Finding a rhythm remains critical to Penix’s success. Once comfortable, his anticipation, arm talent, and ability to stretch the field become apparent. Despite the early turnover, Penix delivered an encouraging performance in his return.
Grade: B-
Game 2: Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints | 45-24 Win
Week 4 got off to a much faster start, with Robinson (Bijan) breaking free for a 59-yard touchdown run on Atlanta’s opening drive. The Falcons’ rushing attack dominated the New Orleans Saints, piling up more than 200 yards and five touchdowns. Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. ran through the Saints’ defense, allowing Penix to take on more of a game-management role.
Still, Penix threw for 223 yards and a touchdown on just 20 attempts. Atlanta’s passing attack continued to complement its dominant ground game, with Penix providing balance and efficiency under center. He again excelled in the second and third quarters, completing 10 of 12 passes for 134 yards before connecting with Dotson on a 31-yard touchdown strike in the fourth quarter.
The advanced metrics reflected another strong performance. Penix posted an 0.51 EPA per dropback, a plus-1.8% CPOE, and a 127.7 passer rating. His 11.15 yards per attempt demonstrated his ability to generate explosive plays, while his 82.3 overall grade from PFF marked an improvement from Week 3.
Penix also continued to build chemistry with London, who approached 100 receiving yards as Atlanta cruised past its division rival.
The Falcons don’t need Penix to carry the offense, nor should they. With a rushing attack this dominant, the passing game simply needs to complement it while remaining dangerous enough to keep defenses honest. Penix showed improved field vision and command of the offense, continuing to elevate Atlanta’s play without being asked to do too much. Atlanta has now scored 80 points in Penix’s first two games back under center.
Grade: B
Game 3: Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons | 30-23 Loss
The Falcons got off to another slow start in Week 5, with Penix failing to complete a pass until the second quarter. That simply isn’t good enough. Penix and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees must find a way to establish the passing attack earlier. Penix has consistently found his rhythm as games progress, but Atlanta can’t afford to waste multiple drives getting him comfortable.
Fortunately for Atlanta, Lamar Jackson was inactive, and the Falcons’ defense made several key plays to build a 17-9 lead in the third quarter. Atlanta had multiple opportunities to put the game away but failed to capitalize.
One missed opportunity came on a tackle-eligible pass to Jake Matthews that slipped through his hands. Penix made the catch more difficult than necessary, but it was a ball most receivers would have secured. That sequence summed up Atlanta’s afternoon. The Falcons settled for too many field goals, allowing Baltimore to hang around long enough to strike late.
Tyler Huntley led two late scoring drives, one to force overtime and another to win the game. Huntley’s overtime drive drained the clock, leaving Atlanta little time to respond. Unfortunately, Penix suffered a rib injury late in regulation and was unable to return for the Falcons’ final possession. Penix said the injury became more painful the longer he remained on the sideline, though it does not appear serious. Tagovailoa entered in relief and turned the ball over on the second play of Atlanta’s overtime drive.
Despite the loss, Penix showed encouraging signs. He was particularly sharp on third down, converting multiple third-and-long situations to extend drives. Atlanta’s struggles on first and second down consistently put him in difficult situations, and Baltimore’s defense deserves credit for creating those unfavorable down-and-distance scenarios.
Penix completed 19 of 32 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown to Kyle Pitts. His completion percentage dipped below 60%, marking his least efficient outing since returning to the starting lineup. Still, he displayed impressive ball placement on several tight-window throws and continued to stretch the field, including another deep connection with Jahan Dotson.
His chemistry with London also continues to develop. London hauled in seven receptions for 118 yards, further establishing himself as Penix’s top target.
Whether Penix could have matched Baltimore’s overtime score is purely speculation, but his ability to perform in the clutch has been impressive in his short career thus far.
This was Penix’s weakest outing in three starts since returning, but he played well enough to win. One area of concern is his performance under pressure, where he’s completed just 1 of 16 passes this season. While the sample size remains small, improvement is necessary. Atlanta’s inability to finish drives ultimately proved costly, but Penix continued to showcase the downfield aggression, tight-window accuracy, and quick release that have highlighted his young career.
Grade: C+
The Last Word
Overall, Penix has made a promising start to his 2026 season. His mobility has improved each week, and his growing comfort in Kevin Stefanski’s offense has elevated Atlanta’s offensive floor. Consistency remains a priority, but Falcons fans have plenty of reasons for optimism. Atlanta faces the Chicago Bears in Week 6, with Caleb Williams expected to return from injury. Both teams boast elite rushing attacks, making Penix’s ability to deliver through the air potentially decisive. Penix is expected to play through his rib injury, though his status is worth monitoring.
Stay tuned for Falcons coverage throughout the season. Rise Up!
Main Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
