Penix’s only problems were in the red zone when Atlanta’s staff asked him to try a few fades, and Penix responded by throwing the balls out of reach of his intended targets.

“He wants one of those throws back that he threw on the sideline, but he was able to make some progress,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “He was able to make some progress. We’re kind of happy with him, being a first-round quarterback. It was fun to watch him go out there and make some of the pass plays and we were able to get some of the stuff done. … Basically, it was a really good night for him and I was really happy with what he was able to do.”

Otherwise, Penix has proven he’s head and shoulders above the other quarterback options on the Falcons’ roster not named Kirk Cousins. He uses his arm talent to throw under and between pass receivers and hit a beautiful sideline fade to Chris Blair for a 41-point gain. Even though it was just one game, it’s already pretty clear that Penix will be firmly established as the No. 2 behind Cousins ​​come 2024.

Taylor Heinicke and Nathan Rourke — who both struggled in the air while Rourke still had some success on the ground — will battle for the third spot behind Penix and Cousins ​​in Atlanta, even if it’s not official yet. The proof is on video.