A big day for the Falcons still comes with its sour notes.
WE ARE SO BACK. Michael Penix didn’t disappoint in his Atlanta Falcons debut! The red helmets continue to bring the best out of everyone, especially Jessie Bates! Are Kyle Pitts and others starting to get phased out? Here’s the Week 16 3 up and 3 down:
Up
Zach Harrison
Zach Harrison made plays in multiple phases of the game. He tipped a punt, giving his rookie quarterback favorable field position, and deflected a pass into Matthew Judon’s arms for a touchdown. The former Buckeye pressured Drew Lock while maintaining stoutness against the run.
Harrison had over 20 snaps, which is on the higher end for him. Hopefully, Lake will continue to give Harrison more work. He’s been a contributor when given opportunities and has shown he can handle a more significant workload.
Jessie Bates III
Red helmets are starting to become synonymous with Jessie Bates pick-sixes. The elite safety read Drew Lock’s eyes the entire way, making the interception look easy. Bates has still been a dynamic player on defense for Atlanta, but he was stretched thin when this defense struggled to rush the passer.
With an improved pass rush in front of him, Bates can do what he does best: play free. Atlanta’s defense would be lost without its captain, and an extension this offseason would be a great way to move money around while making the safety a Falcon for life.
Michael Penix Jr
The rookie may not have stuffed the stat sheet, but stats are for losers.
The moment never looked too big for the newcomer. On his first play, he stood in the pocket and delivered the ball on a rope before taking a big hit. McCloud would end up dropping the pass, but Penix wasn’t fazed, and he would complete his next pass attempt to Drake London for 18 yards across the middle of the field. It was the little things like that all game that made viewers believe they were watching someone made for the job.
Penix layered passes and showed an above-average understanding of leverage. He used his eyes and body language to influence the defense and create openings. Overall, he operated the offense smoothly and on time, never wasting a step. It was a promising first start for the young quarterback, and fans can’t wait to see more.
Down
Kyle Pitts
The man who just works here hardly does that anymore. Kyle Pitts has played less than 50% of the offense’s total snaps in three out of the last four games. Penix’s debut was yet another chance for Kyle Pitts to get a fresh start with a new quarterback, and he gave the opportunity away. Pitts seemingly always finds himself involved in a bungle and the excuses have run out.
It was good to see Penix go back to the tight end later, and it’s likely he’ll have to throw his way again, but Pitt’s future is a big unknown after 2024. He’s already been given his fifth-year option, and the Falcons can’t afford to take on too much dead cap if there’s a chance they cut Kirk Cousins. The best solution is the one everyone has been hoping for: Pitts playing well. Unfortunately, that solution feels unattainable at this point.
Clark Phillips III
Phillips has had an up-and-down season. He’s performed well at times and looked like a reliable outside corner. However, he’s been beaten a fair amount this year, and he doesn’t offer the team as much slot ability as they had likely hoped. This has led to Phillips seeing a reduction in snaps, and against the Giants, Natrone Brooks ended up out-snapping the Utah product.
The Falcons didn’t draft a cornerback in the 2024 draft, leading many to believe that Phillips would have a bigger role and be groomed as the outside corner opposite AJ Terrell. We haven’t seen Phillips take that step, and he hasn’t shown that he deserves snaps over Mike Hughes. Being a depth piece isn’t bad for a fourth-round pick, but with how things are starting to play out, that role could be reduced or given to someone else in the room.
No more red helmets
It’s not fair. You can’t just take them away from me after the team finally looks like a team. The iconic red helmets and throwback uniforms must return to being the standard in Atlanta. It is one of the few things the franchise has ever done right, and two or three times a year isn’t enough. This offseason will be the first year Atlanta will be able to move off of their current uniforms, and they must! The current uniforms are terrible, and it’s time to embrace tradition.
The Falcons are back above .500 and will finish with more than seven wins for the first time in six years. Thanks to the effort of Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta once again controls their destiny to the playoffs. Win out, and you’re in; lose again, and you’ll need help. Where were you when Michael Penix had a chance to lead the Falcons into the playoffs as a rookie?