Overview
- Michael Penix Jr. completed 25 of 34 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in a 29-20 win that came Sunday, finishing with a 118.9 passer rating.
- Before the game, ESPN research showed Penix has a much higher Total QBR versus man coverage than zone coverage, a gap that suggested the 49ers could exploit him.
- San Francisco uses zone on roughly 68% of opponents' dropbacks and is coached on defense by former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, a matchup that framed pregame expectations.
- Falcons defense delivered timely plays that sealed the game, including rookie Kendal Daniels' first career interception and fumble recovery and Jessie Bates' third-quarter interception.
- The win extends Penix's post-ACL return surge since Week 3 and gives Atlanta momentum as it heads to a road game at Tampa Bay next week.