Michael Penix Jr. wrapped up Week 4 with a strong performance for the Atlanta Falcons, helping the team secure a 45-24 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
Penix efficiently complemented Atlanta’s ground game led by Bijan Robinson, as the Falcons quarterback completed 15 of his 20 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown. He outshone Saints signal-caller Tyler Shough, who struggled and made just 30 of his 48 passes.
While Robinson deserves the majority of the credit, especially after rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, Penix’s performance was certainly commendable. Even former NFL star Robert Griffin III took notice of his offensive display and how he punished the Saints’ defense.
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Griffin went as far as to give Penix a new nickname as he heaped praise on him on social media.
“Michael Penix Jr is becoming the Punisher,” Griffin wrote in his analysis of the Falcons-Saints game. “Atlanta doesn’t need Michael Penix Jr. to BE the offense. They need him to punish you for trying to stop it. Tonight he completed 75% of his passes while averaging over 11 yards an attempt with zero turnovers. That’s surgical aggression.”
The Falcons improved to 2-2 on the season with the win. However, they are facing a tough test in Week 5, as they will play the 3-1 Baltimore Ravens.
For what it’s worth, Griffin noted that the game against the Saints showed that the Falcons have developed an “imposing” identity that could be “repeatable.” Sure enough, the showdown with the Ravens will show whether or not they can be legitimate threats.
