The Atlanta Falcons entered the season with major hype, especially surrounding quarterback Michael Penix Jr. His teammates were excited about his potential during the summer, and even Ray-Ray McCloud expressed full confidence that the second-year QB could lead them all the way.
“Boy, I’m excited, and I’m not gonna be surprised by any of it,” McCloud said. “I’ve watched [Penix] every day for the last year at practice, and I’m just ready to see him go into an experienced year, a polished year, and see how it goes — go all the way to the Super Bowl.”
However, through three weeks of regular-season play, Penix has yet to throw a touchdown pass to a wide receiver or tight end.
“No Falcons wide receivers or tight ends have caught a touchdown pass yet this season,” Falcons beat reporter Marc Raimondi posted.
While the stat might suggest that Penix is underperforming, some of the blame falls on offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, whose decision-making has been under fire.
“Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's play calling has been the subject of criticism among the fanbase—and Sunday only saw the noise grow louder. His play calling has been uninspired, predictable, and flat-out wasteful of Penix’s best trait—his rocket arm. Against one of the softest defenses in football, Atlanta never threatened downfield and repeatedly sputtered on third down. And with Atlanta consistently struggling to get the play in on time, fans' perceptions of the second-year OC have seriously soured,” Blogging Dirty’s Jason Kendal wrote.
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The Falcons need to quickly figure things out on the offensive side of the ball. If not, changes could be on the horizon.
Penix has been hyped up, but so far, it seems Robinson may be holding him back. Atlanta has a talented roster, but also one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Dropping a game to the Panthers only makes the hill steeper.