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Falcons Seek to Steady Michael Penix Jr. After Self-Critical Presser and Mentorship Questions

Coach Raheem Morris told the second-year passer to stop being so hard on himself after the Berlin loss.

Overview

  • Atlanta has dropped four straight to fall to 3-6, with the 31-25 overtime defeat in Berlin featuring an 0-for-8 showing on third downs and Michael Penix Jr. going 12-of-28.
  • Morris said he spoke with Penix about his emotions and vowed to protect him, while offensive coordinator Zac Robinson emphasized giving the young quarterback some grace.
  • Penix said he has no on-field mentor and leans on his fiancée and outside quarterback coaches, a comment that drew fan and media scrutiny of Atlanta’s support structure.
  • Quarterbacks coach DJ Williams countered the perception on Friday by saying the QB room talks every day, according to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi as reported by EssentiallySports.
  • For the season, Penix is completing 58.8% of his passes for 1,807 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions, as Atlanta’s offense struggles on third down (3-for-29 over the last three games); the team also noted DeAngelo Malone is likely headed to IR, Malik Verdon returned to practice, and Jammie Robinson joined the practice squad.