Two weeks after topping the undefeated San Francisco 49ers and being named NFC Player of the Week, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons have fallen flat in their last two outings. The streaky squad traveled across the pond this week to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Spain, but the trip overseas wasn't enough to reignite the Dirty Birds' offense.
Since Penix took over as the starter in Week Three, the Falcons' offense has ranked among the top in the NFL, averaging 31 points per game and willing themselves to a 3-3 record after starting the year 0-2. However, things have taken a stark turn in the last two weeks, with Atlanta getting shut out in 16-0 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week before falling 34-17 to the Bengals Sunday
morning in Madrid.
While the torrential downpour in Tampa certainly affected Atlanta's passing game, the same can't be said for this past weekend. Despite the Bengals ranking No. 27 in the league in passing yards allowed at 237 per game, Penix threw for just 162 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. After scoring on each of their first two drives and jumping out to a 10-7 lead, head coach Kevin Stefanski's unit suddenly spiraled, putting up just seven points for the remainder of the contest.
Suddenly, turnovers have now emerged as an issue for the former Washington star as well. In his first four starts, Penix was perfect, taking care of the football and had yet to throw an interception. Now, in just two games, the former first-round pick has thrown five, four of which came in monsoon weather in the NFC South battle against the Bucs.
The offensive mishaps have been crucial, as the Falcons have scored a combined 17 points in the last two games.
Despite recent struggles, Atlanta is still in prime position to take the divisional crown. As of now, all four teams in the NFC South sit with just three wins. With the halfway point of the season coming up, a playoff run is still on the table if Penix and company can find the version of themselves that has been on display for the better part of the season.
With a tough stretch of upcoming games, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions, Atlanta's offense will need to return to form in order to have a chance at the postseason, and that starts with their young quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Michael Penix Jr. Struggles for Second-Straight Week in Loss to Bengals
