Michael Penix Jr. Rides The Bench
With Kirk Cousins expected to see most of the action in the regular season as a first-string quarterback, the decision to bench Michael Penix for the remainder of the preseason is quite perplexing. It raises the question, why not let Penix Jr. get more time on the field? Is there truly a logical explanation for this?
Despite the ongoing theories, is this surprising? The Falcons seem to be making a lot of inexplicable decisions. The initial reports of Penix's draft by the Falcons raised eyebrows. It was unfathomable as to why The Falcons would draft Penix after signing Cousins to a 180 million million-dollar contract with 100 million guaranteed.
The unexpected move only led to more questions. What were they planning? How did Cousins feel? How would the coaches use these two?
Michael Penix Jr.'s Pre-Season Role
No one is privy to the inner rationalizations of the coaching staff. The most one can do is make educated guesses based on how they use their quarterbacks in the pre-season. It is indeed odd to most armchair coaches that Penix is on the bench for the rest of the pre-season. For the Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, there is no confusion. The coaches have gathered what they need plain and simple.
According to Raheem Morris, Penix Jr. does not require any additional practice on the field. SportsNet cites Morris,
"You've seen the number of reps that Michael's been able to get without really taking away from our starter. He has numerous reps against our starting defense. And I am quite optimistic about where he is heading and how he will develop."
The decision to keep him on the bench, therefore, is strategic. It is based on the coaching staff's assessment and potential impact on the team if Penix Jr. was used in the rest of the pre-season.
Morris went on to note,
"If everything goes to plan in Atlanta, we won't see Penix on a field again in meaningful moments until 2025."
This is the part that is baffling. Given this information, is it even possible to spend too much time on the field? Couldn't the quarterback reap additional benefits from more live gameplay? Isn't it better to be safe than sorry?
The Case For More Playing Time
Penix's preseason debut in the Falcons and Dolphins gridiron match showcased what he could contribute. The NFL notes,
“Penix delivered most of his passes on time and unsurprisingly relied on his live arm to get the job done, whipping on-target throws on his way to a 9-for-16, 104-yard performance.”
No one can deny that this was a commendable performance, butut does a great start equal a great finish? Is it even probable that more practice would hurt?
While one or two games are a good sign, doesn't more time on the field give a more accurate assessment? Isn't it important to gather the most accurate stats to strengthen the analytical basis for predictive outcomes, and make decisions that ensure a strong offensive line? Logically the answer is yes.
Critical Factor Overlooked: The Importance Of Morale
Outside of the coaching strategy, there is player morale. One cannot ignore the significance of player morale to overall performance. By sitting out the rest of the preseason, he will receive significantly less on-field activity than others in his draft class. Given the situation does Penix feels he's losing out here? Secondarily, will his sitting out impact morale going forward?
Statement From Michael Penix Jr.
It seems that Penix is merely pleased to be on the field. Following the Dolphin game, Penix expressed his satisfaction and eagerness, stating that it felt good to compete with his teammates and play the game he's enjoyed since childhood.
This positive attitude suggests that Penix wants to make the most of his opportunities and contribute to the team in any way he can. Such an attitude strongly indicates that he will probably continue to work hard and stay ready whenever his number is called.
Other Critical Factors: Game Dynamics, Opposition, And History
In-team dynamics aren't the only consideration. The shifting dynamics of the game and the potential of the opposition make it almost impossible to strategize effectively and make predictive decisions that slant toward 100 percent infallibility.
The record also speaks for itself. The Falcons won only 40% of games in the 2023 season, securing seven out of seventeen wins. What does that indicate? Perhaps coaching strategy is one of the several explanations for the weak season.
Taking It Further Back
NFL Football Operations notes, that the 1998 season was the Falcons' greatest season to date. Their next phenomenal season is noted to be in 1999 followed by one in 2016. These notable wins are like temperature checks.
The more wins historically and closer in intervals the greater the fitness of the team offensively, defensively, and strategically. With 2016 being eight years ago the question is, has the coaching staff shored up their weaknesses enough to support the soundness of their current decision-making?
This is yet to be seen. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly with Kirk Cousins. If something goes wrong, Penix can step in and shine. Beyond that, the success of the Falcons in the upcoming season will depend on how well the coaching staff addresses weaknesses and adapts strategically.
Riding The Wave Of Speculation
For now, the coaches are certain of what they want. They strategized and implemented, and everything is going according to plan. Morris said what he said, and that's it.
If one can be honest, not everything is going to make sense to those in the nosebleeds. Outsiders will have to ride the wave of speculation; watching this all play out.
Looking ahead at the 2024-25 season the potential for some great entertainment is there. If the Falcon's season turns out to be underwhelming at least it will serve as a good lesson for pivoting and changing up the future game plan.