The Ravens will face a confident Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday night, with the Falcons quarterback giving Atlanta a downfield passing threat to complement its powerful running game. Penix has completed 33 of 45 passes for 479 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in two starts this season, posting a 113.1 passer rating. Atlanta won both games, scoring 35 points against Green Bay and 45 against New Orleans after opening the season with consecutive losses.
Baltimore defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver sees an offense that allows Penix to distribute the ball without having to manufacture every big play himself.
“But when his number has been called to deliver and deliver downfield throws, he has a cannon,” Weaver said Thursday.
Make Penix work beyond his first option
Atlanta’s recent
production gives Baltimore two problems to solve. Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. demand attention near the line of scrimmage, while Penix can punish coverage that leaves room behind it. For the Ravens, the objective should be to take away the initial throw while keeping enough help deep to prevent an explosive completion. Disguising coverage and changing the picture after the snap could make Penix hold the ball longer, giving Baltimore’s rush more time to arrive.
That approach requires discipline against play-action. Linebackers cannot abandon their coverage responsibilities chasing a handoff, and safeties must account for receivers working behind them.
Turn pressure into negative plays
Penix has been sacked once in 45 pass attempts this season. Baltimore needs to make his pocket less comfortable while finishing the opportunities it creates. Weaver said the Ravens left potential sacks on the field against Tennessee, crediting Cam Ward’s ability to escape. Against Atlanta, coordinated rush lanes and sound tackling will matter as much as beating a blocker.
The task is to force Penix off his spot, make him reset, and challenge him to complete throws while the pocket closes. That is Baltimore’s path to testing his response to pressure. Stopping Atlanta’s running game remains essential. Doing so without giving Penix easy downfield throws will determine whether the Ravens can force the Falcons into longer passing situations Sunday night.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: How Ravens can disrupt Michael Penix Jr. and Falcons on Sunday night
