Falcons Coach Art Briles Says Michael Penix Jr. Will Bounce Back
The starting quarterback faces a pivotal matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals after a rough performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
By Anthony Brooks ·
Atlanta Falcons coach Art Briles stated on Thursday that the team has no doubt their starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., will bounce back from a poor performance. The Falcons travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals on Sunday, following a 42 to 31 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Penix struggled with consistency during the game against Tampa Bay, completing 9 of 18 passes for 118 yards. He threw three interceptions, marking his first such performance since joining the Falcons. The loss dropped the Atlanta squad to a 3 and 5 record, while Tampa Bay improved to 5 and 2.
The quarterback admitted to being frustrated by the result. Penix said he spent the evening reviewing the game film and focused on correcting specific errors. He noted that while it was difficult to watch the replay, the process was necessary to improve for the next contest. "It was hard to watch it, but at the same time, that’s what comes with it," Penix said.
Briles described his player as a "never-ever" type, implying a relentless drive to succeed. The coach emphasized that Penix is ready for the upcoming challenge. "We’re going to get a clean bounce back and we’re not in a London, we’re in Atlanta," Briles said, referencing the team's location and mindset.
The Falcons face a tough schedule ahead. They will play the Bengals, a team with a similar 3 and 5 record. Penix acknowledged the difficulty of the task but expressed confidence in the team's ability to adjust. "I think I’m going to make a great comeback and we’re going to win," the quarterback said.
The team practices in a smaller facility, which limits space for certain drills. Penix noted that this setup helps him focus on accuracy and decision-making. The Falcons will continue to prepare for Sunday's game, with the goal of securing a victory to stabilize their season.
Briles and the coaching staff remain committed to supporting Penix through the ups and downs of his rookie year. The team's performance in the second half of the season will be a key indicator of their overall progress. The Falcons will travel to Cincinnati for the weekend matchup.
