Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix made just the 13th start of his NFL career last week against the Green Bay Packers. Considering that his level of experience still makes him a rookie in this league, Penix balled out at a level we very rarely see from first-year quarterbacks.
While it doesn't hurt to sit and learn from older quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins, young quarterbacks only truly get better by playing in live games - and the preseason doesn't count.
Despite not having done so for 10 months, Penix was decisive, accurate and aggressive after getting some initial jitters out of the way. For his efforts, Penix earned an A- grade this week from Brent Sobleski at Bleacher Report.
"Michael Penix Jr. made his first start of the season and
provided exactly what the Falcons needed. After a shaky start, where Penix threw an interception, the third-year quarterback grew more comfortable with each passing offensive possession. He missed four of his first five passes, then completed 17 of his final 20 attempts."
Not the question becomes whether or not Penix can do it again. Next up it's the second of three straight prime-time matchups for the Falcons, who seem to always bring their game to another level under the lights.
On Monday Night Football, Penix will face a New Orleans Saints defense that ranks 17th in passing yards allowed per game and 12th in most fantasy points for opposing QBs. With a win, the Falcons could potentially take over first in the NFC South.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: B/R grades Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.'s Week 3 performance
