If there was any doubt about how the Atlanta Falcons feel about Michael Penix Jr., Matt Ryan just put it to rest.
Penix may not have lit up the league in his first 12 starts, but there’s no question about his potential. Injuries and instability on the sideline have slowed his momentum, but the tools are there - big arm, poise under pressure, and the kind of ball placement that makes coaches lean forward in their chairs during film review.
And now, with Kevin Stefanski stepping in as the Falcons’ new head coach, the focus is shifting to what this offense can become with Penix at the helm. The hire wasn’t random - part of the appeal in bringing Stefanski aboard was his fit with Penix’s skill set. That’s not speculation; that’s straight from Matt Ryan, who addressed the situation during a recent interview with CBS Sports.
“I love Mike,” Ryan said. “If you listen to the entirety of the quote, I think it’s very clear.
I’m high on Michael Penix. I have been for a long time.
His ability to throw the football, his ability to layer the football, his ability to drive it to all different parts of the field. I think Mike’s awesome.”
That’s not just lip service. Ryan has been mentoring Penix throughout his transition into the league, and his support carries weight - not just because of his MVP pedigree, but because he’s been in those same shoes under center in Atlanta. He knows what it takes to succeed in that role, and he sees it in Penix.
But Ryan was also quick to clarify his role. He’s not the head coach, and he’s not the one making depth chart decisions. That’s Stefanski’s job, and Ryan emphasized that point again - not to dodge responsibility, but to set the record straight after some early offseason soundbites were taken out of context.
“The head coach makes that call,” Ryan said. “Kevin’s responsibility is to be the head coach of the football team and he’s gonna let you know who our starters are and who our starters are not.”
That’s the reality in Atlanta right now. The organization is building a collaborative front office - one where voices like Ryan’s and new GM Ian Cunningham’s are part of the process, but not the final word. Stefanski is running the show on the field, and he’ll determine when and how Penix takes the reins.
The recent buzz around Penix’s social media activity stirred up some speculation, but internally, the Falcons have remained consistent: when he’s healthy, he’s their guy. And Stefanski’s offensive system - built around play-action, timing, and precision - is tailor-made for a quarterback with Penix’s arm talent.
At 25, Penix still has time to grow into the franchise quarterback role, and the Falcons believe he can do just that. He’s not just a placeholder or a developmental project - he’s the short- and long-term plan under center, barring the kind of curveballs the NFL is known for.
Yes, the Falcons will continue to evaluate the position, as any smart team does. But as of now, they’re betting on Penix. And with Stefanski calling the shots and Ryan offering guidance, the setup is in place for him to finally get the runway he needs.
The question isn’t whether the Falcons believe in Michael Penix Jr. - it’s whether the rest of the league is ready for what happens when he finally gets a full season to prove it.