There’s no debating the fact that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is a drop back passer that wants to spend most of his time in the pocket. However, he does have athleticism, and at times has used it to extend the play, or even get yardage with his legs, but he often seems hesitant to take and off and run.
Earlier today The Morning Shift explained why they think the Falcons second year QB utilizing his mobility more is the key to completely unlocking the Falcons offense.
“To me though it’s the key to unlocking this offense” Beau Morgan said
Beau continued his thought by talking about how he believes opposing defenses are now playing the Falcons offense in a way where they aren’t even worried about Penix Jr. taking off and running.
“I do believe there’s an element of when defenses play you that they know you’re not willing to go, they know you’re not willing to run, and so therefore they can play you a certain way. They’re predicting the offense based on his unwillingness to move.”
Michael Penix Jr. using his legs more would catch opposing defenses by surprise at the beginning, and then when opposing defenses start game planning for Michael to run more it would then start to open things up for other elements of the Falcons offense just like Beau pointed out.
As long as MP9 is smart about picking and choosing his spots to take off and run, and slides when he needs to so he avoids unnecessary hits the Falcons athletic quarterback utilizing his mobility more would completely unlock the Atlanta Falcons offense.