Michael Penix’s return to the Falcons starting lineup didn’t get off to a great start, but that just turned out to be one more chance for him to show his ability to bounce back from an adverse situation.
Penix threw an interception on the fourth offensive play, which seemed like an omen that it would be a long night for the Falcons in the quarterback’s first start since last season’s torn ACL. It turned out far differently, however. Penix finished the night 18-of-25 for 256 yards and a touchdown to tight end Austin Hooper in a 35-14 rout of the Packers.
“I knew we had a long game ahead of us, so I just continue to keep my head down, continue to keep working and doing what I can to help this team win a football game,” Penix said of his response to the interception.
Nine of Penix’s passes went to wide receiver Drake London for 194 yards and the wideout had a succinct way of summing up Penix’s return from both the injury and the early stumble.
“He’s the definition of resiliency,” London said.
Penix noted that it is a “long season” and that the Falcons were “far from perfect” on Thursday night, but they were leaps and bounds better than they were in the first two weeks and Penix’s play gives the team plenty of reason to believe that more good days are in their future.
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