Can Michael Penix Jr. Jump-Start a Falcons Offense That Has Gone Nowhere?

The Atlanta Falcons have played two games without making a single appearance in the red zone. Before anyone starts talking about saving their season, getting within 20 yards of the end zone would be a useful start.

Michael Penix Jr. gets the first opportunity to change that Thursday night.

Atlanta has named Penix its starter against the Green Bay Packers, bringing him back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. He inherits an 0–2 team coming off a 34–3 loss to the Carolina Panthers that left little room for encouragement.

The immediate assignment is straightforward: keep possessions alive long enough to give the offense a chance.

Against Carolina, Cooper Rush fumbled on Atlanta’s first offensive play and threw two interceptions before being replaced in the third quarter. He finished with 86 passing yards. Rookie Jack Strand’s first pass was then intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

Penix cannot undo that afternoon. He can help stop the next game from following the same script.

That starts with decisions. Take the available completion. Get the ball out before pressure turns a manageable play into a desperate one. Accept a punt when the alternative is handing the opponent a short field.

There is also reason to expect more ambition in the passing game. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has spoken positively about Penix’s arm talent and movement during his preparation to return.

“He looks sharp, moving well,” Rees said in the team’s announcement.

The challenge is turning that practice progress into productive possessions. Atlanta should give Penix opportunities to attack downfield, but the game plan needs completions he can settle into, too. Asking him to manufacture a highlight on every third down would put too much weight on his first start back.

Bijan Robinson should remain central to that plan. He produced 81 yards from scrimmage on 20 touches against Carolina. Using him as an outlet and building manageable second and third downs would give Penix a better foundation than repeatedly asking the quarterback to rescue stalled drives.

Protection offers another reason for cautious optimism. Tuesday’s injury report listed Penix and right tackle Jawaan Taylor as full participants. Taylor had left Sunday’s game with a rib injury, making his progress particularly relevant to protecting the left-handed quarterback’s blind side.

That does not guarantee a clean pocket in Green Bay. It does give Atlanta a more encouraging starting point.

Penix’s return gives Falcons fans something worth watching after an ugly opening two weeks. The temptation will be to judge the comeback by the biggest throw of the night. I would start with how often Atlanta sustains a drive.

Protect the football, create manageable downs and give possessions a chance to become touchdowns. Those are reasonable expectations even with some rust. Penix does not need to solve the entire season Thursday. He needs to help this offense function well enough to compete.

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