Rich Eisen Revisits the Falcons’ Controversial Drafting of Michael Penix Jr. | The Rich Eisen Show

[@iainross6349]

Sports media ‘rookie QBs are not given enough title to acclimate’ also sports media ‘why did they draft a QB just to sit him’?

[@coversbydavidalejandro6986]

I think Atlanta is the exception. Penix is 24, they JUST signed Kirk to a multi year guaranteed contract. If this were a couple years later fair enough to let him sit, but if he’s not seeing the field till 26 possibly?

[@marcusgarcia5089]

​@@coversbydavidalejandro6986yup, the devil is in the details

[@smokeybandit9760]

It's so hypocritical. Penix gets to learn from a veteran QB in Cousins who's playing well right now. I get that Penix is older than most rookies, but him sitting behind Cousins isn't the worst thing in the world

[@scruffd0g193]

@@smokeybandit9760absolutely agree. Kirk is 36 years old, falcons can take him in 2026.

[@tyrich1914]

@@coversbydavidalejandro6986and what is wrong with him waiting til he’s 26? Do quarterbacks dramatically decline at the age of 30 like running backs? Let’s be honest

[@hudsonpowers]

Rich pushed this idea more than anyone in media

[@sirtavion20]

Between him and Florio they had big panties in a bunch lol

[@samariohoward6298]

he owned it tho...as a falcon fan im ok with it

[@2423jt]

Florio is different. Dude just hates us at this point lol

[@jamarworthy4065]

Florio too

[@coe9706]

Right!! Thank you hold em ALL accountable!!

[@CLARKakaSIX]

I don’t think the thought was ATL drafting Penix “would mess with Cousins”, it was more the other needs that were glaring when you just paid Cousins as a FA and decide to draft a QB

[@MegaTpeck]

Yeah, it's not about drafting a QB, it's about not drafting an edge rush, and now the falcons are last in the league in sacks

[@nekaneka-lo2js]

​@@MegaTpeck And we will fix that this draft/off season! By the time penix starts we will have a full team under his belt.

[@MegaTpeck]

@@nekaneka-lo2js ahh sure, good strategy in theory, assuming the falcons front office knows Penix is the next Vick

[@nekaneka-lo2js]

@@MegaTpeck he's not a top ten pick for nothing my guy. He even looked sharp in our pre season game. Just stay tuned

[@gregoryjester5167]

God people are so dumb. Getting QB right via the draft is so much more valuable than other positions. Falcons have drafted high round pass rushers and have whiffed so many times

[@ColinBaird-y7v]

A team had Desmond Ridder and Marcus Mariota. They didn't want to go through that ordeal anymore at the most important position in all of sports. So they made sure to take care of it, short and long term. Totally understood the logic as a Washington fan. I like Rich....he was ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS talking everyday about Atlanta drafting Penix for a month. Asking EVERYONE'S opinion on it. It was out of control.

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

They don't know what Penix is, and won't know until it is time to pay him.

[@ChuloVeniVidiVici]

Anybody who have knowledge or know the falcons history at drafting a pass rusher has no issue with the penix pick....

[@sirtavion20]

Been a fan my whole life and I second this lol

[@brandongaddis2206]

Sad to say… yep. Lol

[@ish0tyou993]

So if a team that doesn't know how to draft a QB in its history they should never draft a QB? What kind of argument is that?

[@jbhillz87]

​@@ish0tyou993 No pass rusher in the draft was worth the 8th pick

[@Mox3712]

Well you are assuming they got it right with a qb pick too so...

[@PacMan790]

Turner has 1 sack, Latu has 2 sacks. Falcons made the right choice solidifying the QB position for the next 12+ years. The production those two guys are giving their teams, would not change a thing if they were in Atlanta. You can always get a pass rusher in free agency or in the draft, which is what I think they will do in 2025. This is only the beginning for the falcons.

[@jeepyjay994]

Idk Jared verse would’ve been really helpful for us

[@Mox3712]

You are just assuming that Penix is gonna be really good and there is absolutely no evidence that will be the case. He might be - but he might be a disaster too...

[@johnholst]

The thing is, you can draft a good young QB pretty much every year as well. This wasn't a good move by the Falcons.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@johnholst that's nonsense. No you can't. Lots of drafts have poor QB choices and next year is one of them. Carson Beck was SUPPOSED to be the great QB pick and he is having a very subpar season. What other QBs are worth a first round pick????

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@jeepyjay994 yeah because he's set the world on fire in LA.... YAWN.

[@Heb101922]

I have been a Falcons fan for approx. 50 years. I was so excited when the Falcons drafted Penix because he was who I wanted them to draft before they signed Cousins. Even though Penix has to sit for a couple of years or so, the Falcons now have the QB position set for the next 12-15 years. Had they not drafted Penix, they might have had a couple of years or so of success with Cousins and then become irrelevant again because they don't have a QB. It was the right move.

[@CameronBrown-ph9do]

Idk it was strangely forward thinking for a tank div team. The roster talent cupboard was barren however so getting cousins as a bridge guy means uou get the vikings one score game tempo. Not a bad choice.

[@mrdgenerate]

How about you try to debunk us drafting penix over a pass rusher since our pass rush is abysmal. Other than bc it didn't work at all last two DE we took 1sr round.. tak and Beasley.

[@davidwillis8623]

The absolute best edges tend to be drafted in the top 5 or so because they’re that valuable. We had the 8th pick.

[@tzarro]

Turner has 1 sack, Latu has 2 sacks...best evidence available that neither of those guys were a quick fix for the pass rush...and Verse wasn't really in consideration by the Front Office...and this was probably the last time for a couple years that we'd be drafting in the top 10 to get a QB, so there.

[@Mox3712]

What makes you think that Penix won't suffer the same fate as the 2 DE's they drafted???

[@Mox3712]

@@tzarro and there you are just assuming Penix is gonna be a star...

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@tzarro THIS RIGHT HERE!!!!

[@TigerTsunami404]

Falcons drafted later for the pass rush and secured their future at QB - worked out perfectly

[@hudsonpowers]

If Trice didn’t get hurt… scary hours

[@73ajd1]

How? They have no sacks.

[@goatjamesizbrixmoneysauce4207]

@@73ajd1because he got hurt in practice Trice from Washington or UCLA I believe he nice

[@Mox3712]

Assuming Penix actually turned out to be good... We sure as hell don't know this

[@DreamConundrum]

TF hasn’t shown he can draft any better than an auto pick from a generic big draft board. The auto pick might have brought better results overall.

[@dreamsoflorien8237]

The falcons FINALLY did something right

[@Mox3712]

Once again you are assuming Penix will be good and we have no idea if that's the case

[@Icien1]

I never understood why you guys were so flabbergasted with drafting Pennix. Have you heard of Patrick Mahomes, Rich? How about Jordan Love? Can I interest you in a two time, soon to be three, league MVP, Lamar Jackson? But drafting a future starting quarterback who sits behind a proven guy is crazy? Didn't you or someone on your show say there's a quaterback development problem in the NFL? Not for those guys I just listed!

[@samariohoward6298]

as a falcon fan im still flabbergasted..not in the qb pick but tge qb age pick..if kirk plays out full contract..penix will be a1st time starter at 28...couldve got JJ and developed him and had more runway

[@DravisACard]

​@@samariohoward6298I don't see how you're flabbergasted, and I'm a falcons fan myself. I can guarantee you that cousins will only play out 2 years of his contract bc of the 2yr guarantee part of it. They're not going to want to owe him the full 180 mill. And even if I'm wrong.. so what if penix Jr would be 28. That's still young & you can still squeeze 11 years out of him.

[@2423jt]

Kirk is 36, he's not playing here for four years.

[@davidwillis8623]

@@samariohoward6298QBs that are good are the longest tenured players outside of kickers and punters… a couple of years older isn’t that big of a deal

[@majestyzx9081]

​@@samariohoward6298Development isn't some magic word that makes all players who sit good. The Falcons believed Penix is and will be the better player. Why would you take a player you think won't be as good, for two extra years of mediocrity?

[@leonapplebutter5946]

Still to this day have no idea why they and so many others overreacted in the moment. The plan seemed pretty clear, get a guy for the future to sit and learn now with a capable vet and sign pass rushers in free agency and would you look at that

[@coughcough3323]

Should have gotten the younger QB wit the higher ceiling if that was the plan not the oldest most pro ready.

[@Mox3712]

I still say the draft sucks - it was a stupid damn pick

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@coughcough3323 yeah and who would that younger higher ceiling guy have been at 8? Bo Nix? Same age and not a higher ceiling. JJ McCarthy? Younger maybe, but definitely not a higher ceiling and he wrecked his knee and is going to be set back at least a year in his development now so IF he works out he's going to have the same age issues as Pennix.

[@amstel5468]

I knew you guys were overreacting. It's the most important position in all of sports. Nothing wrong with being smart about the future..

[@Mox3712]

But you don't know he will be good... You can't just assume that he will be

[@amstel5468]

@Mox3712 true but I would not be mad at my team if we had an older quarterback and they took a shot on a guy they believe in at the most important position in sports.

[@willf3087]

Yeah, we knew this the whole time. At least you’re addressing it and admitting you were wrong

[@CharlesGodfrey-p2b]

Remember the Redskins took RG 3 then Cousins behind him in draft. Then 10 years later Falcons get Cousins then Penix the same year lol

[@FIT2FLI]

Look. Who is still in the league and who is not lol

[@johnholst]

I see the comments here about drafting a great QB for the future. And that's fine. But they signed some vets including Cousins with the mindset of winning now. They should've drafted a piece they could use now!

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

OK, name that piece. Name a defensive player worthy of an 8th pick from this draft that is blowing the doors off.... Take your time, I'll wait. I mean they didn't need any offensive players, the receivers are solid the running backs are solid the O Line is good. Maybe they looked at the defensive players available and had no confidence they were going to live up to an 8th pick value and decided to lay this QB problem to rest once and for all (and given how much trouble it's been in ATL recently who can blame them). A defensive player didn't get picked until the 15th pick and not a single one that was picked in the first round has been a standout player so far. So EVEN if you are going to make the argument about they need time to develop that doesn't work for win now does it? You could MAYBE make the argument that they could have given up the pick and traded back instead and it's not a bad argument but maybe they couldn't get what they wanted for the pick. Maybe they looked at next years QB prospects and decided they better go now rather than latter because Kirk is realistically probably only on a 2 year deal.

[@johnholst]

@@ashleighelizabeth5916 Yes, all valid points Ashleigh. And maybe no defensive player was worth the 8th pick. But then they could've easily traded down and added more picks and still got the help they needed. You telling me that a first round and third round player wouldn't be able to make an impact on this team? Of course they would! And you just gave up the farm to get Cousins. He's playing for, like you said, at LEAST two years. Taking a QB in the first round here is just dead weight. That's how I see it, anyway. :)

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

@@johnholst maybe they couldn't get the deal they wanted for the 8th pick. And nobody really knew how Kirk was going to do after coming back from his injury. The team could have had another Judon situation where they picked up a Free Agent with good credentials coming off a season ending injury that hasn't really panned out. Then where would they have been?

[@CapnDiddles]

⁠@@ashleighelizabeth5916why would you spend all that money on a guy who you’re unsure of about an injury? Clearly the Falcons were confident in Kirk otherwise they wouldn’t have sold the farm for him and then payed him a bunch of money 😂

[@johnholst]

@@ashleighelizabeth5916 Yes, certainly a possibility. But then, if they'd really felt that way, they wouldn't have paid him all that money in the first place. See?

[@tzarro]

As a Falcons fan, there was no guarantee Cousins was going to play as well as he played, which is why they took two shots at QB...the Falcons will make a short payoff appearance this year and hopefully focus on retooling the defense in the offseason for a deeper run next season...

[@Paula-mv8im]

Think about this....Kirk led the 2022 Vikings (with a 28th ranked run game and 31st ranked defense) to the playoffs because of his arm. But....because of that defense (and 19th ranked pass protection) that made Daniel Jones look like an All-Pro, they didn't get very far. The Falcons have a mediocre defense and are far better in pass protection. So a deep playoff run is highly possible.

[@pravigunaratne5183]

buddy you spoke about it on your show every day for like 2 months after the draft.

[@shakinlaw1406]

As a Falcons fan on draft day I was shocked but tried to like the pick. I do like it. However, we wont truly know until he Penix plays a full season. I do hate that fans & media keep mentioning his name as an option even while Kirk is playing lights out. If Penix isn’t developed & launched properly this great position could be a disaster. Just let Kirk play & enjoy the greatness he’s in.

[@samueldavis1524]

The Falcons are right where they need to be. The offense has potential to be even better and that's scary. I think the defense is starting to grasp Jimmy Lake's defense, I thought he tweaked somethings against Dallas. If the defense keeps making progress and the sacks start coming in bunches- the sky is limit.

[@Mekias]

We don't know yet if Pennix was the right pick. What we can say is that it hasn't affected Cousin's performances and the defensive options that were available haven't done much. Knowing all that makes the pick much more defensible.

[@KingAtlantasupporter-1]

Falcons winning their 1st Superbowl and many more go falcons

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Let's not get caried away here. This team is NOT that good. They have a good chance of a winning record and division title and maybe even of winning a playoff game but if that's as far as it goes this year than that's a massive improvement over the last few seasons.

[@paulm1405]

Atlanta did what I wanted the Bears to do. Sign Kirk (or another veteran qb) and draft a qb to sit, learn, develop.

[@tzarro]

Cousins pay is pretty reasonable IF his performance continues...and this offense isn't even a half season old: new OC, new QB, 2/3 of the starting WRs new...offense has been getting progressively better and more balanced each week.

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

I mean it's arguably got the best skill players surrounding a QB in the league when you measure WR 1 thru WR 4 and factor in the two running backs and tight end. There are individual players better than all of those guys out there but not all on one team working together.

[@rickycurley159]

Read the comments from all of us Falcons fans: we needed a long-term answer with a young QB to learn behind a vet, AND we drafted pass rush later in the draft. The only unfortunate part is that Bralen Trice tore his ACL in pre-season

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

I am a falcon fan and no I didn't think we needed a long-term answer at QB to sit for two years, what we needed was a pass rusher. Trice isn't that guy, he is just another bad defensive pick by Terry, that hasn't gotten it right in the draft yet. Penix is a decent player, but finding out you have a decent QB a year before you have to pay him big money is a mistake.

[@rickycurley159]

@LionelLordOfTheThundercats how do you even know if Trice is the guy or not? He tore his ACL in his first preseason game. All ive heard from the staff and players is that Trice was the best young defensive player theyve had in years

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

@@rickycurley159 Because i scouted football players as a job for over a decade and if you read the scouting report on Trice you see that he is a low ceiling high floor guy. He i smart, but not physically gifted. Which is coach speak for a guy that sets the edge on your defense and doesn't miss tackles. He isn't a superstar and he is not profiled to be a playmaker on a defense. He is a foundational player not a difference maker. He is the guy you want lined up on the other side of your passrusher. He cleans up the play.

[@rickycurley159]

@@LionelLordOfTheThundercats well that is a solid explanation of it, my only pushback is that the type of player you just described would be exactly what the ATL d-line needs across from Judon/Ebiketie to let them enhance the pass rush

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

@@rickycurley159 The problem with that is we didnt have Judon when we drafted Trice, we just did it to make the fans think we had addressed the pass rush in the draft. The problem with our front office is they keep trying to make a splash in the draft, instead of building a team. They use all our top ten picks on players that we don't need right now, instead of players to build around. Bijan is a great player but we need Jalen Carter. You should go back and look at the pass catchers we left on the board to get Pitts. We don't draft for need, we draft for headlines.

[@datruth_706]

YOU CREATED THIS MY GUY

[@henrytruong2596]

People don't seem to understand the Falcons had to draft a quarterback. It was an insurance policy. Taylor Heinicki was not going to cut it as a backup. They would eventually trade him to the Chargers because of it. Penix is going to be the future for the Falcons.

[@klstay]

Few teams have veteran for the now, rookie for the future QB situation as solid as this. 12-5 and no divisions losses for a division round at home looks very doable. Long term Penix has the opportunity to learn then master pro level ball relatively few top drafts get a chance at. IF he sees it for what it is and takes advantage of it the Falcons look to have a LONG bright future with the most important piece of the puzzle sorted.

[@Mox3712]

Jesus so many of you idiots just assume that Penix is gonna be a star QB and there's absolutely no evidence of that. The only damn team in the NFL that thinks this was the Falcons

[@klstay]

@@Mox3712 QB draft is ALWAYS a roll of the dice so no one assumes anything. The Falcons set things up so IF your pick progresses and shines at the pace you want life is golden. If not then draft 2026 (or maybe 2027) you roll the dice again. The only thing we "idiots" point out is Penix has space to learn, grow, and show you the progress you need to see. Plus, how many star QBs got your "no evidence of that" and ignored? (Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, Joe Theismann, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Tom Brady - you just NEVER know) I guarantee in the draft NOBODY thought Mahomes would be this epic.

[@joshuafranke5238]

It makes sense to draft a qb and sit him behind a vet, but they had just signed kirk to a massive 4 year deal that goes through 2027. Penix will be 27 and due for his own payday when kirks contract is off the books. It just doesnt make sense money wise. They could have waited a year or two and still sat whoever they drafted behind kirk for two plus years

[@mazzi.ozborne]

Love the respect that you put on the falcons rich!!!

[@HawgWyldFishing]

They literally told you why they drafted him. And now, after having cried and complained, like the rest of the media has, about the NFL not developing QBs, you finally have been forced to accept the reality of it all. The Falcons made the right decision, Kirk isn’t under pressure this year, or next year, and potentially the year after if he is having the level of success with the team to warrant it. Though I suspect it will likely be his final year, and the young guy will start to see some playing time by that point. If for no other reason, than just to see what he can do after having been given the time to adjust to the life of a professional football player.

[@blackcattraxstudio5278]

There was no defensive player at #8 that was going to step on the field & immediately make them elite. So they drafted a pro ready QB. People forget that they flew the brass out to Wash to work out Penix & were super impressed. I never understood the media's & some fans' overblown reaction. Also, 64 different QB's started games last year & Kirk was coming off a major injury. You never know so improving your QB room is smart....Ridder / Heinecke to Cousins / Penix!

[@craigpridemore7566]

I wasn't worried about it hurting Cousins' success. I just thought they could've made a pick that would've helped them NOW and not in 3 years.

[@erinpowell5958]

Hardly anyone mentions that almost every single media draft had Falcons taking Turner, who hasn’t done much at all in his rookie year

[@kadillactica]

These pundits make these takes on purpose to create additional content down the road. Penix was a good draft pick. Smart for the future.

[@PluggedByJ]

everyone quesitoning the Falcons for being one of the few teams in recent history who is trying to develop a quarterback.

[@Mox3712]

Assuming that it works out which we have no freakin idea

[@Corazy]

Here's something you never see...a sports personality says they were wrong.

[@teejayman215]

It was YOUR narattive Richie Rich. You kept repeating it when no one else did dude

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

He wasn't the only one. Believe it me it was everywhere. People are STILL making fun of the Falcons for picking Pennix out there right now.

[@Hokieman-ol7qh]

Rich had a lot of horrible takes this offseason

[@smokethecomedian4852]

For you guys to be professional sportscasters you never had it right about the Michael Pennix Jr pick. We signed Kirk to a basically 2-year deal, Michael Pennix is the future for the Falcons, if Kirk goes down early or if Kirk retires after two or three years in. Pennix, he's the future not the right now. He's learning a lot watching Kirk. If you look at it the right way, we actually have 2 starting QBs. 🫵🏿😁

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

Do you know why no other team has done this before? Because it doesn't make sense. You don't give a vertiaran QB all of your money unless you are going for it now, and you don't draft a rookie in the first round, unless you plan to build around him while he is on a rookie deal. The Falcons did neither, they hedged their bets, so now, Kirk has an average team, and when Penix takes over, he will have an average team. The falcons just build a team to win 10 to 12 games a season and never be a threat for the superbowl. We are now the Minnesota Vikings of the south.

[@JonKlinkel]

If the Falcons HAD drafted somebody that could help now, they may not have lost the games they've lost.

[@n.hoppy2]

That pic in the thumbnail is fire

[@TommyRibs]

I wanted the GIANTS to draft Penix. I am glad we got Nabers, but I wanted Penix.

[@TheeRomantic]

Once Kirk shows his face like Carr did.. This whole thing won't be questioned

[@moose_tracks41]

That’s quite the thumbnail for this video.

[@Jacko89]

Not only is this year's QB class cheeks, Falcons are going to be drafting in at least the 20's, so won't even get close to them

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

The narrative was they should have gotten a pass rusher and now they still need a pass rusher, and Penix has been useless for the team.

[@CorneliusSpearman]

I like Penix Jr. as a Draft Pick! I would probably would have chose Rome Odunze

[@CalebsCars]

It’s not messing with cousins, it’s the fact he doesn’t have a first round rookie weapon right now

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

EXACTLY!!!!!! We are literally spending all our future salary cap trying to bring in veteran defenders because this team is ready to make a playoff run. Imagine what this team would be if Mooney was in the slot, with Rome on the outside or if we had a DL that could get home with rushing four.

[@Bluboy30]

The perfect script here is for Cousins to face his old team the Vikings in the playoffs. I'm sure their matchup later this year will be flexed into the prime time spot since both teams are winning.

[@KingPyramid-m5v]

Them team are boring they go by rating it going be the lions on the nfc side

[@Bluboy30]

@@KingPyramid-m5v Say what now? You're saying the Lions will be the ONLY team in the NFC playoffs? 😂

[@KingPyramid-m5v]

@Bluboy30 lions are going win the whole nfc vikings n kirk ant good enough I'm bucs fan n trust kirk ant good they going choke falcon overrated n ant beat no good team

[@Bluboy30]

@@KingPyramid-m5v My dude, you can't seem to write a complete sentence. But I think I get what you're saying. I didn't say the Vikings and Falcons were going to win the NFC, they might, you never know. I said it would be fun to see them play each other in the playoffs since Cousins was a Viking for a long time.

[@prettyslim1836]

@@KingPyramid-m5v🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹 stay mad 🤣

[@johnsheehan004]

This is just crazy. The falcons will lose in their first playoff game with Kirk playing QB. This is a win now league. The Falcons have now in how long. The idea that we still shouldn’t be questioning this narrative. We should be questioning it more. What if they drafted a defensive player and by the time the playoffs rolled around that rookie was playing at a high level and makes a play to help win a game. Instead you have a player who you hope doesn’t play. This hot start proves further that it was a bad move.

[@Duceduo2the1]

What in the world are we talking about? It’ll be a story if they make the playoffs and don’t win Super Bowl. The story will be, “they were good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to win . Should have used pick on a…..”

[@Steelersince89]

The question of drafting a QB can't be answered until the quarterback plays. If he's a busy down the road then the decision will be highlighted as a massive mistake. If he's Patrick mahomes in 3 years then everyone involved are geniuses and maintain employment for a decade. Debating the decision before his talents are displayed is pure theory crafting.

[@rickyjimenez3357]

They were intent on a black qb and thats why he was drafted. Remember what the coaching staff said? We need a qb that looks like us i believe was the quote.

[@goatjamesizbrixmoneysauce4207]

I wanted Penix and got him. Excellent choice

[@cdd543]

The reality is that we have no pass rush. We should have traded down from 8 and taken a more developmental qb and drafted more defense. Kirk is playing great, but that eighth spot should have been used more efficiently. We didn’t learn from the Matty Ice era where we had great offenses, but our D was never quite good enough.

[@vegitosynsei]

Falcons also never addressed the future when Matt was QB, they traded him with no backup plan in place. Had Mariota and Ridder/Heinicke at QB.

[@davidwillis8623]

The issue is, there was no guarantee any of the later defensive players would be immediate impact players. Penix in his prime will be more valuable anyway.

[@goatjamesizbrixmoneysauce4207]

They took a edge he got hurt. Then they got Judon the thing is they run too much zone with no pressure.

[@helluvatime4562]

That wasn`t the narrative. The narrative was the biggest hole in their team is pass rusher and it still is. Huge L

[@djpjae09]

Accountability rich. Thanks 🙏🏾 that’s all

[@smashm1847]

For penix its also good bc his college career was brutal on his body he was hella injured a year of football not at max speed can both help hkm learn the nfl system and let his body heal might help his long term injury risks

[@DreamConundrum]

Falcons are winning in spite of zero rookie starters, zero significant rookie contribution. Think how good they could be if they could draft worth a damn.

[@wonshiin]

I simply can't stand another second of Eisen.

[@Bork19]

It was a dumb pick, do one or the other, could’ve had Rome or Brock instead of penix. Or they could’ve spent money on top free agents and drafted penix.

[@ODviking]

But are they going to be looking at the defensive player they could've had when they get dumped out of the playoffs? All well and good not feeling like they wasted a pick when he's not needed and Kirk is delivering but when you miss out on a SB chance, is that backup you drafted gonna be looking so good?

[@dodu8281]

this gm just plays sexy fantasy football.... look at his first round picks last 4 years... pitts, london, robinson, penix.... havent been to the playoffs neither... if i would be a young falcons fan, i would love those kind of flashy first round picks.

[@buckbenelli8]

Oh come on, no one really knows if Penix will be any good. Should have traded down and picked up a great O line or taken Brock for TE.

[@Dont-Ask-Me-My-Name]

You need a pass-rusher in the playoffs not now the Falcons will wish they selected a player that could actually take the field come the postseason

[@Redsniperxrays]

If you have no idea why still atlanta drafted a qb here's why. When matt ryan left we had no one at qb. For 3 straight seasons at 7 wins. We had no long term future. Also kirk cousins is coming off of a serious injury. How much juice does he have left. His contract is structured really for 2 years. If he's still good after he's locked in for 4. So many rookie qbs struggle cause they're thrown into the fire. Sam darnold thrown into the fire did terrible after taking some years backing up now he's lighting it up. Geno Smith same thing. Notable qbs who sat behind qbs until they started. Tom Brady, Patrick mahomes, Aaron rodgers, so many others. Some qbs can go right away it's very very rare. But, having them learn the game and not having the pressure and seeing from an established leader is great. It's like having an older brother help you, it may not be tour time right now but eventually you'll take the reigns and be ready.

[@wandameadows5736]

Falcons have no pass rush, not a great O Line & overall bad defense & could be better if they'd used that pick on Defense.

[@ViroVV]

Its still a head scratcher. Cause what benefit does Penix get watching Cousins? Atls offense is tuned completely differently than Penix skill set. He is already 24. If they start working him in next season he will be 25. That leaves his potential career with only 5 years before his speed dwindles that guys like Crosby will start catching him and he starts wracking up injuries. Cousins will probably still have enough in the tank next season too. So theoretically that takes another year of snaps away barring an injury. When he finally becomes starter that first year 9/10 will likely be mid as he starts getting actual snaps and adjusts to NFL speed. So if everything pans out there is every probability he wont be truly ready to lead a team anywhere until hes 26/27. Thats killing his career training him when his critical skillset cannot be trained and only deteriorates. Then there is the reality that you need a whole different type of team loadout for Penix than Cousins. So likely a mini O line/run game rebuild at bear minimum. Its still a mistake. As are all these RB/QB hybrids are. Ill never understand why people keep cheering for what is killing quality, long term QB play in the league.

[@mythrapi73]

season's only half way over...nothings decided yet guys not taking an edge rusher prolly means they're one and done in playoffs so they win the worst division is football...is that enough to say they drafted well? and it may take years to see how penix pans out so why give them a pass at this point

[@tzarro]

They're not just one defensive player away from a long playoff run...they're going to be one and done regardless, defense needs a lot more work...and I'm a Falcons fan.

[@yepyep7629]

It’s one of the smarter moves made in the draft this year

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

How has it help this team chances of wining in the next two years?

[@BBM716]

Penix Jr’s career is lost from the get go imo. They just wasted a young mans life and potential without even him getting a chance to prove himself at least. Atlanta admit you’re pathetic and don’t know how to draft or build a team and let that kid go somewhere where he can play. You think sitting behind Kirk Cousins is gonna help him? Ya he can help, but he’s not going to turn into anything being around mediocre players.

[@michaelhansen7516]

Atlanta has a weak strength of schedule the rest of the way. They're in the playoffs.

[@Gutileonardo1]

They could have Jared Verse right now and for a decade

[@colindempsey470]

Seems to work for Green Bay.

[@elijahtalksball]

Well Love was a project, Penix seems pretty plug and play. And he’s almost 25

[@colindempsey470]

@elijahtalksball if it works out, they have a starter for a decade. I don't worry about the 4th contract.

[@smokeybandit9760]

@@elijahtalksball Yeah but he's pretty injury prone. Idk if that'll change but that's really his only weakness

[@Ajajaj157]

@@smokeybandit9760 he had no injury issues at Washington

[@colindempsey470]

@@smokeybandit9760 as an Eagles fan, I'm pleased as punch they didn't take Mitchell. But if Penix hits, even later on, he's the right pick.

[@jawsvvvvv]

Yes still need a pash rusher

[@joe-edward]

The bigger false narrative was def that the Jets are gonna be good this year.

[@thegroovemerchan7]

Why is everyone talking about us all of a sudden

[@kimkimmers3530]

Bro seems to be a big Panerai fan

[@djpjae09]

They did.

[@logannixon231]

Rise up boys

[@Sam678-]

I haven’t heard Dallas Turners name at all this season, just sayin

[@LionelLordOfTheThundercats]

Only Jarrett and Judon have more sacks then him this year for the falcons. And he has had more of an impact on his team than Penix.

[@jaywilliams8608]

Brockman looks like Uncle Fester

[@thomasparker5784]

Rams taking Fiske for a second round pick!

[@thomasparker5784]

V8 and Fiske are BALLIN RIGT NOW AND PEOPLE COMPLAINED BECAUSE RAMS SPENT A SECOND ROUND PICK ON FISKE!!!

[@MrTerrell966]

11-6 is my guess...

[@asacloutier7530]

Wait til yall see this kid spin it....

[@allenkoe1]

Most rookies ain’t ready and the media pushes for them to play then don’t give them time to get good they want you to be great week 1 and if you’re not then they kill u .. ps geno smith leads the league in passing yards and mahomes is 15th 🤣

[@Therain_maker]

Still- unless michael penix- at the very least- turns out to be a top 7-10 franchise qb who gives the falcons half dozen years of mostly winning football without any major injury hiccups then we'll see. This is a qb who already has had some major injuries that has shut down some years in college and Kirk Cousins might have a longer runway than people think. Penix will be 25 next month .I would imagine his camp/ agent will be banging the drums next year even if Kirk puts up mvp like numbers . Cleveland and Oakland currently have 2 of the best defensive players walking planet earth. They're both starving for a QB. They could really look good if they end up with one of those guys in off season ....that's if they sit down on the idea of Kirk being around longer than they think. Cousins has yet to miss a single game due to contact injury since coming into league in 2012 and also keeps himself in paramount shape in every off season. The falcon defense will dictate their playoff success so things can get muddied if they're one and done in playoffs.

[@kickdeboll]

More than the falcons drafting the “Wrong guy” the raiders got it handed to them in the draft lololol. I bet they were keyed on pennix and were like shoot, guess we gotta go with bowers now

[@donaldchin7205]

Falcon is a good team as best - they not beating any of the elite teams in the playoffs. Wasting another year of Cousins career. Get him some help to get over the hump not someone who might take his year in a couple years. They will prolly choke it away anyways, it's the falcon's way.

[@Paula-mv8im]

Any team can get beaten...on any given Sunday.

[@Trinison7]

Rich it's really time to get off of this bro

[@shep68]

Stand by….stats man Cousins will burst your bubble eventually.

[@bryanjones4444]

There is no evidence that will happen. His average playoff game is better than Tom Brady's. His last playoff game he had the highest rating of any playoff game that entire season. It is true he is a stats man because he has played at a Hall of Fame level throughout his career and I can prove that. Also, except for possibly Matthew Stafford he is the best 4th quarter quarterback the game has seen in decades, maybe ever. He is on a pace to rewrite the career record for 4th quarter comebacks even though the Vikings defense gave away 10 of his comebacks in 2020 and 2021 combined. Just for good measure he has authored 2 of the most unlikely 7 4th quarter comebacks in the history of football.

[@Cjhilly]

5Td 1Int in the playoffs, genius 🤣

[@Paula-mv8im]

It's funny...people keep saying that and Kirk just keeps playing lights out and improving every...single...year. What a clueless comment…..“stats man Cousins”….smh. The Vikings hadn’t had a “garbage time” game since 2020.

[@datruth_706]

8th overall bro i know you old but damn get that right not 7th

[@jaydbogan6759]

Who care’s y’all on the past.. there will be no other QB available next few years for ATL to get in the future.. so I would have got him too we all need a back up

[@woopig4419]

If they wanted to, they could still trade him for a first round. That makes two first round picks next offseason

[@KwikPeeks]

Why in the world would they trade him? Kirko is playing extremely well but he’s 36 years old.

[@woopig4419]

@ fuckin relax bro, I said the option is there

[@scruffd0g193]

Why would they do that, Kirk is 36 years old and falcons can alway trade him in 2026.

[@73ajd1]

Despite your mental gymnastics, Verse would have been a better use of that pick to help a crap defense win now.

[@Cjhilly]

That crap defense ranks 20th while the Rams rank 23rd. Verse has a measley 3 sacks surrounded by Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Hoecht, and Fiske. Nice try tho lol

[@martinolson761]

Don't get all excited on Atlanta...they've beat bad teams and lost to good teams....luckily they are in a sh*t division so they'll prolly win it.

[@e15b]

Smh Kirk defenders

[@NathanaelSmithEdi]

The problem is this: Atlanta have a really bad pass rush right now, which means they'll suffer in the playoffs. They aren't winning a superbowl with this pass rush. Who is the current favourite for DROY? Jared Verse, still available to them, edge rusher. It's still a really terrible decision.

[@Super.5th]

None of these pass rushers will make us a Super Bowl team even verse

[@bigdeboatl23]

That was the weakest pass rusher class in the last 7 years. Next year is gonna be stacked with talent. I stand behind what they did

[@vegitosynsei]

Falcons addressed having a stable QB group after dealing with no plan when Matt Ryan was QB and had Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke and Marcus Mariota at QB straight QB hell.

[@Ruke_D]

your not gonna win tough play off games when your 1st round draft pick is riding on the bench and the other teams is in the game.... ask the packers about