Commander Country

Commanders Coach: Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. 'Really Talented'

The Washington Commanders face a challenge in Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) avoids the sack of New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) avoids the sack of New York Giants linebacker Darius Muasau (53) in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Washington Commanders will face off against Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in his second career start in Week 17 on Sunday Night Football.

Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick out of Washington, made his first career start in Week 16 against the New York Giants. Penix threw for 202 yards while completing two-thirds of his passes in the win against the Giants.

While he doesn't have much experience, Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is impressed by him.

"Penix [Jr.] is a guy that's coming in, really talented, really liked the kid when he came here on the visit, when he came with the quarterbacks here," Whitt Jr. said. "He was personable, he can really throw the ball. I mean, he has a laser left hand guy and he's going to be protected by a veteran offensive line. And so, they'll be able to do a good job of protecting him, and we have to just do a good job of changing the looks on them and making it tough for him."

If the Commanders can give Penix fits throughout the game and make things difficult for him, they will have a very strong chance to win the game and waltz into the playoffs.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders vs. Falcons on Sunday Night Football Will Set NFL Milestone

• Commanders Have Two Ways to Clinch NFL Playoffs Berth in Week 17

• Commanders Set An Unexpected Franchise Record in Week 16 Win Over Eagles

• What Has Commanders' Coach Dan Quinn Learned About Kliff Kingsbury?

Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

Home/News