Falcons’ Head Coach Heaps Praise on Rookie Penix’s First Start

‘He played almost flawless football and kept the game really clean for us,’ coach Morris said.

Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Dec. 22, 2024. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris heaped praise on rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. after the Falcons’ 34–7 victory over the New York Giants.

Penix, whom the Falcons drafted with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, made his first start Sunday against New York. Morris praised Penix for leading the team and playing a clean game, and he lauded the team for rallying around the young signal-caller and contributing to a team win.