Michael Penix Jr. gave the Falcons exactly the kind of performance that turns heads, and Jessie Bates III made it clear he noticed.
Atlanta stunned the San Francisco 49ers 29-20 on Sunday afternoon, handing the 6-0 team its first loss and giving the Falcons another sign that their quarterback situation has steadied at the right time. Penix, back from injury, kept Atlanta moving after a shaky 0-2 start and has helped the team win three of its last five games.
Against San Francisco, Penix was sharp and efficient. He finished 25 of 34 for 213 yards and three touchdowns, powering a win that looked even bigger because of who was on the other sideline.
Bates did not hold back in his praise afterward, according to reporter Tori McElhaney.
“You can sleep good at night when you have Michael Penix playing quarterback for you,” Bates said.
The veteran defender also pointed to the bigger picture, making it clear he believes this group still has room to grow even after the upset.
“We know that we’re not out of the fight yet. (But) even if we were in a division that’s winning, it’s still early.
There are plenty of teams that were 2-4 that figured it out and got it rolling. That’s what we’re preaching in there.
A lot of teams, they pick and choose. When you’re 2-4, a lot of people walk into work a little bit later; they start just checking off the boxes.
The group of men that we have in that locker room, I’ve got nothing but confidence that they’re going to respond,” Bates said, per The Athletic.
Atlanta got contributions across the offense. Bijan Robinson carried 20 times for 63 yards and added five receptions for 59 yards. Drake London paced the receivers with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, and Kyle Pitts Sr. caught five passes for 22 yards and a touchdown.
The Falcons now turn to the road, where they will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. Kickoff is set for Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. ET.
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