Atlanta Falcons Offense Explodes After Michael Penix Jr Returns

A Historic Primetime Turnaround

The Atlanta Falcons started the season with zero wins and two losses. Their offense scored just 16 points combined over those first two weeks, which was the lowest total in the NFL. They had to start third string quarterback Cooper Rush while waiting for their starter to return.

Everything changed in week three. The Falcons went to Lambeau Field and beat the Green Bay Packers 35-14 on Thursday Night Football. They followed that up on Monday Night Football with a 45-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Atlanta is now the first team in NFL history to win consecutive primetime road games by 20 or more points.

The Penix Effect

The main reason for this sudden shift is quarterback Michael Penix Jr. He returned in week three after recovering from surgery on a torn left ACL suffered last November.

Against the Saints, Penix completed 15 of 20 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He is the first Falcons quarterback since Matt Ryan in 2018 to record a completion percentage of at least 70 percent and 10 yards per attempt in consecutive games.

"He's been phenomenal, man," running back Brian Robinson Jr. said of Penix. "It ain't really much other words I can say about the way he's been playing."

Dominance on the Ground

The return of Penix has also opened up the running game. Atlanta rushed for over 200 yards in each of their last two games.

Against the Saints, the Falcons scored five rushing touchdowns. Bijan Robinson led the way with 19 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Brian Robinson Jr. added 62 yards on 14 carries and scored three touchdowns. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor believes this ground attack could be the best in the league this year.

The Falcons now sit with two wins and two losses, and they look like a completely different team heading into their next matchup.

What it means for the next game

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): New Orleans Saints win 44%, Minnesota Vikings win 56%; projected score New Orleans Saints 20, Minnesota Vikings 21. Our safest pick: Under 49.5 points.

Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons (NFL, Mon, 12 Oct): Atlanta Falcons win 39%, Baltimore Ravens win 61%; projected score Atlanta Falcons 21, Baltimore Ravens 25. Our safest pick: Ravens +4.5.