For a minute there it looked like Michael Penix Jr.'s much-anticipated return to the lineup was going to be a massive letdown. The third-year Atlanta Falcons quarterback was shaky to start the game but something clicked after his opening-drive interception.
Penix settled in once Bijan Robinson started devouring the Green Bay Packers defense on the ground. By the middle of the second quarter, Penix was positively on fire, establishing a near-perfect chemistry with top wide receiver Drake London - who wound up catching nine of 10 targets for 194 receiving yards.
By the end Penix had 256 yards at over 10 yards per attempt, posting one touchdown, one pick and a passer rating of 101.4. Along the way he made franchise history, becoming the fastest Falcons
QB to reach 3,000 passing yards.
Michael Penix Jr. is now the fastest Falcons quarterback (by QB starts) to reach 3,000 yards all-time and has the most passing yards through 13 starts by a Falcons QB all-time.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) September 25, 2026
What a return for Mike.
This was a supremely-satisfying win both for the Falcons and for Penix himself, who reportedly wept when he realized he wouldn't be ready to start Week 1. Penix had had more-impressive games statistically, but we're willing to bet that this is the most cherished win of his career thus far.
Any questions about who the best quarterback on the roster is have officially been laid to rest. While this is still Bijan Robinson's team, it is now abundantly clear that Penix is their guy at quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Michael Penix Jr. set new Falcons record in blowout win over Packers
