At a Glance
- Falcons coaches compare rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. to Matthew Stafford.
- Stafford leads Rams with 40 TD passes, 4,179 yards, 112.1 rating.
- Penix has 9 TDs and 3 INTs in nine starts, but is recovering from knee surgery.
- Why it matters: The comparison fuels draft buzz and shapes the Falcons’ future quarterback plans.
In a pre-draft workout, Atlanta Falcons coaching staff Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson saw Michael Penix Jr. and drew a striking parallel to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The comparison not only highlights Penix’s arm talent but also underscores the Falcons’ ongoing quarterback strategy amid a strong season for Stafford.
Coaches Draw Parallels
Morris and Robinson, who once worked with Stafford on the Los Angeles Rams, noted similarities in arm strength and field coverage. They considered Penix a potential No. 8 pick in the 2004 draft, even though Atlanta had already invested in free-agent Kirk Cousins.
- Arm talent comparable to Stafford
- Ability to touch any part of the field
- Layered throws over linebackers
Stafford’s Current Season
At 37, Stafford has guided the Rams to an 11-4 record, the third-best in the NFL. He’s close to matching his career-high of 40 TD passes and remains a Pro Bowl performer.
Stafford said:
> “It’s great… I appreciate it. I play this game to try to play at a high level and get respect… That part of it is really cool.”
Rams coach Sean McVay praised Stafford as one of the best quarterbacks ever and noted the overdue respect he’s earned.
Sean McVay said:
> “I think he’s seen as a guy that’s one of the best to ever do it. It’s overdue.”
Penix’s Early Career
Penix took over the Falcons’ starting role for the final three games of his rookie season and entered the 2024 season as the full-time starter. In nine starts he completed 60.1% of passes for 1,982 yards, 9 TDs, and 3 INTs.
Cousins has helped the Falcons win back-to-back games over Tampa Bay and Arizona, but the starting role is reserved for Penix in 2026.
Zac Robinson said:
> “From the first time you just saw him throw a football, he’s arguably the most natural and talented thrower in the history of the game. If you’re wanting to look how to throw a football, it should look exactly like Matthew Stafford.”
Team Dynamics
The Falcons’ front office balances the veteran presence of Stafford and the developing talent of Penix while managing the contract of Kirk Cousins. The comparison fuels speculation about the team’s quarterback future.
Key Takeaways
- Falcons coaches see Penix as next Stafford in arm talent.
- Stafford leads Rams with record-tying stats and a Pro Bowl.
- Penix has promising rookie numbers but is recovering from knee surgery.
As the Falcons face the Rams, the comparison between Penix and Stafford will likely dominate headlines, shaping the team’s decisions for the coming seasons.
Gavin U. Stonebridge contributed to this report.
