The NFL’s newest quarterback sensation, Michael Penix Jr., is already turning heads regardless of having simply two begins beneath his belt.
The Falcons’ eighth general decide from Washington confirmed promise in Sunday’s Week 17 conflict in opposition to the Washington Commanders, although his efforts fell brief in a 30-24 loss to Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and firm.
Daniels orchestrated a scientific 12-play, 70-yard drive, connecting with tight finish Zach Ertz on a 2-yard landing go to seal the sport.
Penix’s stat line was respectable – 19 completions on 35 makes an attempt for 255 yards, with a landing and an interception, whereas taking two sacks alongside the way in which.
Even with this restricted enjoying time, NBA legend Paul Pierce isn’t ready to sing Penix’s praises.
Throughout a current look on Fox Sports activities 1’s “SPEAK,” Pierce boldly ranked Penix because the second-best quarterback from the 2024 NFL draft class.
“I attempt to not be a prisoner of the second however you’ll be able to’t idiot the eyes, and the attention take a look at goes to let you know every little thing while you simply have a look at immediately within the eye, you stare it down,” Pierce declared. “From what I see, I imagine he’s the second-best rookie quarterback.”
.@paulpierce34 says Michael Penix Jr. is the 2nd greatest rookie QB
“You may’t idiot the eyes… I will always remember when Chris Paul got here into the league, I performed one pickup recreation in opposition to him & I used to be like, this dude goes to be top-of-the-line gamers. You simply see it.” pic.twitter.com/seAD37PYJA
— Converse (@SpeakOnFS1) December 30, 2024
Pierce drew an fascinating parallel, evaluating his first impression of Penix to when he first watched Chris Paul play.
Simply as he immediately acknowledged Paul’s future greatness, Pierce sees comparable potential in Penix.
The rookie quarterback’s composure has been notably spectacular – even in simply his second begin, he stored the Falcons aggressive whereas avoiding typical rookie errors.
Regardless of the Falcons now sitting at 8-8 after Sunday’s loss, the long run appears to be like shiny with Penix on the helm.
His early performances counsel Atlanta may need discovered their long-term reply at quarterback, giving followers a lot to be enthusiastic about shifting ahead.
