Former Falcons QB compares Michael Penix Jr. to NFL legend Dan Marino
The Atlanta Falcons are going forward with Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback and there’s a lot to like about the young signal-caller. Despite making just three starts as a rookie, Penix showed enough poise and arm talent to make veteran Kirk Cousins expendable.
The 24-year-old passed for 775 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. While the numbers don’t jump out, Penix’s film was extremely impressive. He pushed the ball down the field, routinely escaped pressure in the pocket, and made good decisions with the football.
Former Falcons quarterback Kurt Benkert is a huge fan of Penix and recently compared the former first-round pick to NFL legend Dan Marino. “He without a doubt has one of the best arms in the league,” Benkert posted on his Twitter account. “I expect him to take a serious jump this season.”
The obvious similarity between Penix and Marino is arm strength. Marino had one of the strongest arms in NFL history and knew how to use it to his advantage. Penix displayed a similar ability in each of his three starts last season.
The rookie made some incredible throws in Week 17 against the Washington Commanders, including a fourth-down touchdown strike to Kyle Pitts that sent the game to overtime. Penix looked even more comfortable the following week against the Carolina Panthers.
Benkert highlighted two throws from Atlanta’s season finale that showcase Penix’s rare arm talent (which you can see below).
Marino’s Hall of Fame career took really took off in his sophomore season back in 1984. The former Miami Dolphins quarterback passed for 5,038 yards, 48 touchdowns and 17 interceptions while helping his team reach the Super Bowl before losing to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.
The Falcons would love to see Penix make a similar jump in Year 2. The former No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL draft produced comparable numbers during his college career at Washington. In 2023, Penix passed for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the Huskies to the National Championship game where they lost to Michigan.
Penix has a bright future and while it may be too early to put him on someone like Marino’s level, those around the NFL no longer question why the Falcons drafted him.
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