Falcons Twitter debates decision to sit rookie QB Michael Penix Jr.
In the opening week of the preseason, Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. got the start and completed nine of 16 passes for 104 yards. It wasn't a perfect performance but there was a lot to like about the first-round pick's NFL debut.
With the team ruling out starting QB Kirk Cousins for the entire preseason, fans were looking forward to seeing what Penix could do over the final two exhibitions. However, Penix was one of 37 players ruled out for Saturday's preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
After the game, head coach Raheem Morris said the rookie QB would not play in this Friday's preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "Mike showed us last week enough that we don’t have to play him again in the preseason," Morris told reporters during his postgame press conference.
The decision to protect Penix divided the fan base. Some feel Penix should get as much playing time as possible since he is unlikely to play in the regular season. Falcons fans had all kinds of theories on Twitter.
Falcons Twitter reacts to sitting Penix
The Falcons after Penix balled out in the first preseason game https://t.co/7pgNw1oTWT pic.twitter.com/oers5QPe7U
— 𝐕𝐉☆ (@HeDontMissVj) August 17, 2024
Unsaid: We'd also like to trade Taylor Heinicke, so wanted to try and showcase him. https://t.co/racmv4IZ4y
— Kevin Patra (@kpatra) August 17, 2024
Not giving Penix preseason reps is fine but you better damn sure hope he doesn't start slow if he's asked to play at any point this year
— Carlton (@CrispyCarlton) August 17, 2024
They should trade Kirk Cousins to a QB needy team, like Minnesota https://t.co/m251PaRADi
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) August 17, 2024
Michael Penix Jr. was touted as one of the most NFL-ready QBs in this draft, but people are worried that he didn’t play a couple series against backups?
Of course we wanted to see him play, but he needs these reps less than we think.
Raheem knows what he’s doing.— Rise Up Reader (@RiseUpReader) August 18, 2024
Not playing your rookie who most likely won’t see the field this season because he showed enough in one half of a preseason game is certainly a choice. https://t.co/9jvMaNVgAS
— DeanoTalksSports (@DeanTrombino) August 17, 2024
???? How mahomes playing in the preseason but he isn’t ? He’s not starting week 1 https://t.co/oAEYIudts3
— jønåthån (@Jonathansm24) August 18, 2024
https://t.co/19pjxZBPUa pic.twitter.com/35TvsZ0pRq
— Shayne L. Marsaw (@wasram) August 17, 2024
So he doesn’t need live reps? 🤔 https://t.co/jeBIKHzzHA
— Enrique James (@1MANCAVE) August 18, 2024
I would want my rookie QB to get as many snaps as possible personally, especially because he’s not in line to start this year… https://t.co/9BXMtkRjON
— Alicia de Artola Castillo (@PenguinOfTroy) August 17, 2024
You have a rookie QB who presumably won’t play for a few years and you don’t want to give him preseason reps? A confusing operation all around in Atlanta. https://t.co/3zIZVWZPhl
— Daniel Salib (@salibdaniel1) August 17, 2024
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Twitter debates decision to sit rookie QB Michael Penix Jr.
