The Penix Effect: Why Atlanta’s Offense Might Finally Take Flight
August 29, 2025
Seven years without a postseason in Atlanta. The 2016 Super Bowl loss broke the team they had together and Atlanta has been rebuilding ever since. The good news is that they just might have their guy after a few seasons of the quarterback carousel coming to town. That guy is Michael Penix, who took over for Kirk Cousins late in 2024 and showed tremendous growth over the final few weeks of the season. Kirk will remain on as a back up – Truth be told, the Kirk Cousins story deserves its own piece. However, this will be the most solid QB room that Atlanta has held since Matt Ryan left for Indy.
Michael Penix and Drake London really put their chemistry on display with London earning 39 targets over the final three weeks which he converted to 352 yards and 2 touchdowns. London had enjoyed a good season up until that point but it was even more encouraging to see him find success with the QB of the future taking his first few starts. Let’s not forget that Darnell Mooney also came just eight yards shy of a 1000 yard campaign of his own and showed he can be a productive complimentary piece.
Kyle Pitts got in on the action in one of those final games, posting 44 yards and a touchdown of his own. Despite the roller coaster that Kyle Pitts’ career has been on, he’s still just 24, uber talented and has the potential to be a big part of this offense. His time is running out and this is certainly a prove it year if he hopes to remain in Atlanta. There has been plenty of good news to report this summer for the Falcons camp regarding the relationship of Penix/Pitts and how they plan to utilize him this season.
Finally, the legend of Bijan Robinson keeps growing and it would appear he’s primed for a major breakout now should this passing game take off. Bijan enjoyed MONSTER days during those final three weeks where we got a glimpse of the Penix led offense with 354 and 6 touchdowns! That’s crazy production and shows how much more open everything can be when an efficient passer is at the helm. Robinson had an exceptional 2024 season but should be primed, along with everyone else, to take a giant leap forward if Penix is the real deal.
I love all of this optimism, but there is a big negative prior to the opening kick off. One of their better overall lineman has suffered a major injury and will be out for the season. If the Falcons offense is to take a step forward, they’ll have to do it without Kaleb McGary. Most offensive lines aren’t in a position to lose depth and not miss a beat and Atlanta is no exception.
If you believe in this team, it’s going to start with Michael Penix. A good quarterback can overcome and elevate those around him. According to the small sample size from ‘24, he was able to do it. The hope is that we continue to see the growth and Atlanta can push the Bucs for their first division crown since 2016.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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