The longer term seems vibrant for Falcons QB-WR duo of Michael Penix Jr. and WR Drake London
After final yr’s failed Kirk Cousins experiment, the Atlanta Falcons are handing the franchise keys to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The previous top-10 draft choose has simply three begins beneath his belt however flashed sufficient late within the season to safe the beginning job going into 2025.
Whereas Penix’s rookie numbers weren’t overly spectacular, his movie was extraordinarily encouraging. By the season finale, he was passing the ball with the arrogance of a seasoned vet. With a loaded supporting solid, together with ascending extensive receiver Drake London, Penix may take a significant leap this yr.
Professional Soccer Focus has been amongst Penix’s largest supporters, rating the younger quarterback forward of the final two first total picks (Caleb Williams and Cam Ward) of their 2025 QB rankings. PFF gave Penix much more love of their quarterback-wide receiver duo rankings.
Even with their lack of expertise, London and Penix had been ranked as PFF’s tenth QB-WR duo getting into the 2025 season.
“That is the large guess of those rankings. In Weeks 16, 17 and 18 of final season, Penix recorded an 89.5 PFF passing grade when focusing on London, with 4 big-time throws, 15 first downs and 352 yards in simply these video games,” wrote PFF’s Trevor Sikkema. “In the event that they choose up the place they left off, this duo may simply rank within the prime 10 in manufacturing and effectivity in 2025 and past.”
London, who had a breakout yr with 100 catches for 1,271 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, ended the season with a career-high 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns towards the Carolina Panthers. Over the ultimate two weeks alone, London caught 17 of 31 targets for 293 receiving yards and two scores.
Penix’s arm power and accuracy allowed him to push the ball down the sphere with ease. He bought the ball out shortly and skim defenses properly for a younger quarterback. This was a drastic change from Cousins’ play over the second half of the season.
Penix and London had been ranked forward of some notable combos, together with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and breakout extensive receiver Ladd McConkey.
If Atlanta’s offensive line holds up with heart Ryan Neuzil taking on for Drew Dalman, the sky is the restrict for this offense in 2025.
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