Could Atlanta QB Michael Penix make first NFL start vs. New York Giants

Struggling Falcons acknowledge need for better quarterback play

New York Giants coach Brian Daboll was asked for his pre-2024 NFL Draft assessment of Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix on Monday.

“He’s a very productive player. He could throw it in all three levels. Very accurate. Obviously, had a lot of good players around him. But I thought he really gave those guys chances down the field. Intermediate throws, threw the ball effortlessly,” daboll said. “Was athletic. I wouldn’t say they used him on a lot of runs, more of a drop-back, play-action guy. But fairly athletic enough to do a variety of things. Met with him, had a good meeting. Smart. Instinctive. I thought he had a pretty good pro day, I was at his pro day. So, I thought he was a good prospect.”

The Giants had the No. 6 overall pick. They, of course, passed on Penix, as well as quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Bo Nix. The Falcons took Penix at No. 8.

There is a possibility Daboll and the Giants could get a first-hand look at what they passed on Sunday when they face the Falcons. After Atlanta barely defeated the 2-12 Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday night, Falcons coach Raheem Morris opened the door to Penix making his first NFL start this weekend.

Veteran starting quarterback Kirk Cousins has been struggling, with nine interceptions and just one touchdown pass over the last five games. Atlanta had lost four straight before eeking out a win Monday over Las Vegas.

“He’s [Cousins] got to play better,” Morris said. “He wants to play better. We have to find a way to get him to play better. We will get to work tomorrow. We have to play better at the quarterback position.”

Penix has appeared in just two games, going 3 of 5 passing.

The Giants could be starting their fourth quarterback of the season on Sunday. After waiving Daniel Jones, the Giants have seen both Drew Lock (heel) and Tommy DeVito (concussion) suffer injuries.

That could leave Tim Boyle in line to start against Atlanta. That would highlight the current hopelessness of the Giants’ quarterback situation, vs. the hope a young player like Penix might provide the Falcons.