The Atlanta Falcons came up short in their 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, but they at least put some points on the board for the fans in Madrid, Spain. And while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. didn't have a great game, he made some plays with his arm and his legs.
Penix completed 20/31 passes for 162 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The third-year QB also rushed three times for a career-high 50 yards on the ground. It was certainly an improvement from last week's performance, but Penix was disappointed with the team's 12 penalties.
"We're just beating ourselves," Penix said after Sunday's loss. "Too many penalties. We emphasize that a lot each and every day throughout the week. Coach always shows us in the team meetings how many penalties we had
the practice before and it's usually less than one or two penalties each day... But whenever we come out here and have 12 penalties between all three units, it's tough to win like that."
The Falcons got out to a 7-0 lead after Penix's opening-drive touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Woerner. After adding a field goal on the following drive, the Bengals took control with 17 straight points in the second quarter to take a 24-10 halftime lead.
Penix was also asked about his big day on the ground and said he was just doing what the team needed.
"I felt good out there whenever I found a lane I was able to scramble, get a couple first downs," said Penix. "Today, that's what I felt like we needed in those situations so I took advantage of it."
We'll see if the Falcons can bounce back at home next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Michael Penix Jr. comments on Falcons' 34-17 loss to Bengals
