Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been one of the best starters in the NFL this year... as long as he's not facing any pressure.
On EPA per dropbacks this season among NFL quarterbacks, Penix has posted a 0.62 mark, which ESPN NFL expert Ben Solak says is second-best in the league. When he's pressured? -0.82, which ranks last among all starters.
That's a jaw-dropping chasm, not helped by how much pressure Penix was under during the team's overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. Penix has yet to play a full season as the Falcons' starter, so he's still got time to feel more comfortable in the pocket when he's under duress.
Getting more acclimated to the field (and growing more comfortable with even a little bit of
mobility) as he's coming off his 2025 ACL injury should help, as would improved play for the Falcons' offensive line on a down-to-down basis. However, teams are going to blitz the Falcons aplenty with Penix struggling with a rusher in his face.
If he's not facing pressure, Penix can make you pay like few else in the NFL right now. If he's got a persistent defender in his face, he's more likely to ditch the ball to the turf or just take the sack/negative play.
Michael Penix EPA per dropback
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 12, 2026
Unpressured: 0.62 (2nd-best)
Pressured: -0.82 (dead last)
Penix has showed more than enough in his starts with the Falcons to earn the trust for the rest of the season. If he's not better when taking pressure going into 2027? Atlanta may have to, at the very least, bring in competition.
Of course, if Penix's highlights overshadow the lowlights (and he stays healthy), it's also possible he enters 2027 as the team's de-facto starter. Ultimately, Penix will control what he can. Getting better under pressure will be a must.
Will Penix play this week with his ribs injury?
Per The Athletic's Jonathan Jones, there is optimism he'll be available for the team's Sunday game against the Chicago Bears. However, nothing is set in stone as of yet. Tua Tagovailoa would start in his place if he can't go.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Michael Penix Jr. is one of the best NFL QBs in 2026 (with 1 BIG caveat)
