The Atlanta Falcons were inspired watching Michael Penix Jr. make his first start since an ACL injury ended his 2025 campaign after nine games.
"He's the definition of resiliency," wide receiver Drake London said following Thursday's 35-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
Penix had to watch the Falcons shuffle through quarterbacks and start the year 0-2 after he wasn't ready to begin the 2026 regular season. Atlanta initially named Tua Tagovailoa in the No. 1 role, but he suffered an oblique injury days before the season opener. Third-string passer Cooper Rush started Atlanta's first two games, though he struggled and was even benched in favor of undrafted rookie Jack Strand.
Penix seemed to find his groove as Thursday's game progressed, completing 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown. His only blemish was an interception on his opening drive, but he said, "Everything started clicking" after the early pick.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski applauded Penix after Thursday's contest, marking the sideline boss' first win with Atlanta.
"It's not easy to rehab from injuries," Stefanski said postgame. "That's a tough thing to do when he's putting himself through the extra workouts in the weight room, the extra treatments in the training room. ... So proud of all of that. I got to witness it, and this, tonight, is something you can build on."
Thursday's game was the best the Falcons' offense has looked this season, with London recording a career-high 194 receiving yards. Star running back Bijan Robinson also put up 213 yards from scrimmage, including 194 rushing yards.
