The NFL’s newest quarterback sensation, Michael Penix Jr., is already turning heads regardless of having simply two begins underneath his belt.
The Falcons’ eighth total decide from Washington confirmed promise in Sunday’s Week 17 conflict towards the Washington Commanders, although his efforts fell quick 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 cross 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 best way.
Even with this restricted enjoying time, NBA legend Paul Pierce isn’t ready to sing Penix’s praises.
Throughout a latest 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 may’t idiot the eyes, and the attention check goes to let you know every thing if you simply take a look at instantly within the eye, you stare it down,” Pierce declared. “From what I see, I consider he’s the second-best rookie quarterback.”
.@paulpierce34 says Michael Penix Jr. is the 2nd greatest rookie QB
“You’ll be able to’t idiot the eyes… I will always remember when Chris Paul got here into the league, I performed one pickup recreation towards him & I used to be like, this dude goes to be the most effective gamers. You simply see it.” pic.twitter.com/seAD37PYJA
— Communicate (@SpeakOnFS1) December 30, 2024
Pierce drew an attention-grabbing 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 related potential in Penix.
The rookie quarterback’s composure has been significantly 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 longer term appears to be like brilliant with Penix on the helm.
His early performances recommend Atlanta might need discovered their long-term reply at quarterback, giving followers loads to be enthusiastic about shifting ahead.
NEXT: Michael Penix Jr. Makes Huge Private Announcement