After Atlanta Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan and Falcons new General Manager Ian Cunningham were asked if quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will be the Falcons' starter next season at Cunningham’s introductory press conference a false narrative was created that Matt’s answer was him being noncommittal about Penix being the starter next season, and this false narrative ended up being one of the top headlines on ESPN this week.
Some Falcons fans, national writers, journalists, and even broadcasters, such as Stephen A. Smith started running with the false narrative, and that could’ve possibly been a part or maybe even the whole reason why Michael Penix Jr. had a lengthy post on Instagram earlier this week where he spoke about his journey and never folding under pressure.
Yesterday, during an interview with Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports Matt Ryan doubled down on his comments and repeated that he wasn’t being noncommittal about Michael being the Falcons starting quarterback next season, but letting it be known that it’s not his decision if Penix Jr. starts or not, and that’s Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski’s decision, and earlier today The Morning Shift explained why they think Matt Ryan's time at CBS as a broadcaster and media member helped him dispel this false Michael Penix Jr. narrative.
“Yea if he hadn’t had those couple years with CBS I feel like this baptism be fire would’ve been a lot more severe, but he’s much more aware of the perspective the media has at this point.” Ali Mac said
Beau Morgan agreed with Ali’s sentiment and added on by saying “I think he would’ve been good already because of his time as a player and he’s still fresh. I think he’s even better because he understands how the media side thinks, and how they act, and how they twist everything to fit a narrative.”
Since he’s been introduced as the Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan has handled every press conference, every interview, and every question thrown his way perfectly, and he continues to prove that he was the only right option for this role for the Falcons.