The Atlanta Falcons are currently one of many 0-2 teams in the NFL. After such a miserable start, the coaching staff and fans hope Michael Penix Jr.’s return is just what they need to get things rolling. The team will get its first shot to prove it tonight during Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime.
The Atlanta Falcons are hoping Penix Jr. will show his ability to push the ball downfield, along with improved accuracy and decision-making. Though the season prior showed much promise, issues such as inaccuracy, intentional grounding penalties, and lack of play clock awareness were on display. Improving in these areas will go a long way toward proving he can be Atlanta’s franchise quarterback.
If Penix improves on everything listed above, skill players Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts should have their best day of the season so far. Robinson managed an 83-yard game on the ground against the Steelers, and London somehow came up with 51 receiving yards against Carolina in the 34-3 blowout. Getting these players going early would greatly boost the Falcons’ offense.
Defensively, the Falcons have been hard to evaluate. They came into the season missing their young, promising edge rushers James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker due to suspension and injury, respectively, and have since lost more players. The latest loss, top cornerback A.J. Terrell, could leave them vulnerable to explosive pass plays, though his younger brother, rookie Avieon Terrell, looked promising in his place. Penix Jr.’s return gives hope that the offense can sustain more successful drives, giving the defense a better chance to succeed on their end. The Packers missing two starting offensive linemen should help defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who has 2.5 sacks this season.
Special teams will also be a factor in tonight’s game. The winless Falcons could be 1-1, except for a pair of field goals missed by veteran kicker Nick Folk, brought in to create consistency that was missing at the position the year before. The Falcons desperately need that consistency from Folk tonight in Green Bay as this game is shaping up to be one with little room for error for either team. The special teams’ coverage unit also needs to be better tonight to give rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch a chance to flip the field in the return game. He showed that ability against the Steelers with a kick return, but it was called back for a blocking penalty.
All in all, with the Packers’ issues on the offensive line, their current inability to push the ball downfield, and the return of Penix Jr., it should be a recipe for a Falcons win, even on the road. We’ll find out tonight on Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime.
