Grading Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.'s performance vs. Packers

The pressure was immense for Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr in his first start of the 2026 NFL season, but he preserved through some early nerves and potentially saved Atlanta's season in the process. In one of the biggest surprises of the season, the Falcons dominated the Green Bay Packers in

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The pressure was immense for Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr in his first start of the 2026 NFL season, but he preserved through some early nerves and potentially saved Atlanta's season in the process.

In one of the biggest surprises of the season, the Falcons dominated the Green Bay Packers

in Thursday's 35-14 win. This was especially shocking since we saw how badly this same unit played in the first two games.

While Bijan Robinson and Drake London combined for over 400 yards of offense, Penix was the straw that stirred the drink for much of the night.

Let's take a closer look at Penix's play against the Packers and grade his Week 3 performance.

Grading Penix's Week 3 performance vs. Packers

Penix clearly was a little bit off to begin the game. He started 1/5 with an interception on the opening

drive that he threw right to Packers DB Xavier McKinney. However, the third-year quarterback was completely unfazed by his early blunder. He simply adjusted and moved on.

"I want that back," Penix said of his interception. "You know, I felt like the read was okay. I've just got to put the ball on my receiver instead of leading him with a good safety like Xavier McKinney over there making a play."

Penix looked like a different player after his interception, going 17/20 for 239 yards and one touchdown to finish the game. He was accurate on short, deep and intermediate routes, and added some life to a previously stagnant Falcons passing attack.

It should also be noted that Penix didn't take a sack and got rid of the ball in an average of 2.27 seconds. He did not hold onto the ball for more than four seconds on a single dropback against the Packers, per ESPN's Ben Solak.

For the game, Penix went 18/25 (72% completion rate) for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He recorded a passer rating 101.4 and QBR of 84.5. If you take out the first two drives, it was nearly a perfect performance.

Final Grade: B+

Obviously, he had a ton of help from the ground game, but the former Washington Huskies QB added balance to Atlanta's offense. If this was a sign of things to come, the future looks especially bright with Penix under center. Final Grade: B+