Falcons OC Rees praises Penix's talent, but stops short of naming him starter

New Atlanta offensive coordinator Tommy Rees sees a lot to like in Michael Penix Jr., but doesn't guarantee him the starting QB job.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In his introductory press conference, new Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Tommy Rees had high praise for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., highlighting his "extreme arm talent" and toughness in the pocket. However, Rees stopped short of declaring Penix the team's starting QB, noting there are still areas for the young player to improve. Penix, a 2024 first-round pick, has dealt with injury issues in his early career, including two prior ACL tears. While the Falcons are expected to release veteran Kirk Cousins, Rees' comments suggest the team may still be evaluating its QB options heading into the 2023 season.

Why it matters

The Falcons' quarterback situation is a key storyline this offseason, as the team looks to build around a young signal-caller. Penix's talent is evident, but his injury history has raised concerns about his durability as a pro. Rees' comments indicate the Falcons want to see Penix prove he can stay healthy and continue developing before handing him the starting job outright.

The details

In his press conference, Rees praised Penix's "extreme arm talent" and ability to make all the throws, while also noting the young QB's toughness in the pocket. However, Rees acknowledged there are still areas for Penix to improve and grow as a player. Penix was a 2024 first-round pick by the Falcons, but has dealt with significant injury issues, including two prior ACL tears. The Falcons are expected to release veteran Kirk Cousins early in the offseason, but Rees' comments suggest the team may still be evaluating its QB options heading into 2023.

  • Penix made just three starts as a rookie in 2022 after serving as Kirk Cousins' backup for most of the season.
  • Penix went 3-6 over nine starts in 2023 before suffering a partially torn ACL that required surgery.

The players

Michael Penix Jr.

A 2024 first-round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons who has dealt with significant injury issues, including two prior ACL tears, early in his NFL career.

Tommy Rees

The newly hired offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, who praised Penix's talent but stopped short of declaring him the team's starting quarterback.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback who served as Penix's backup in 2022, but is expected to be released by the Falcons early in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Extreme arm talent would be the first thing, just from a film standpoint, that you see. I mean all the throws, outside the numbers, down the field, can throw with anticipation and can throw with great accuracy. He's a tough guy in the pocket, man. I mean, he will stand in there and deliver the ball down the field.”

— Tommy Rees, Offensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons (Falcons Wire)

“Had a chance to meet him and what a great young man. Overlapped with some guys that I coached in college over different points of my career, and everyone has always spoken so highly of him. You meet him for two minutes, and you can feel that right away. I think you're looking at a young player that's really hungry and eager to get back out there, and it's our job as coaches to put him in a position to have success.”

— Tommy Rees, Offensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons (Falcons Wire)

What’s next

The Falcons are expected to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins early in the offseason, clearing the way for Penix to potentially take over as the team's starting QB. However, Rees' comments suggest the team may still be evaluating its options at the position and wants to see Penix prove he can stay healthy and continue developing before handing him the job outright.

The takeaway

While the Falcons' new offensive coordinator is high on Penix's talent, the team appears to be taking a cautious approach with the young quarterback as he looks to overcome his injury history and solidify himself as the long-term answer under center in Atlanta.