Rookie Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Secures First Touchdown with Falcons
In a thrilling matchup against the Washington Commanders, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. showcased his potential by throwing a game-tying touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts. With the Falcons trailing 24-17, the pivotal moment occurred with just 1:19 remaining on the clock in the fourth quarter. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the Falcons faced a crucial fourth-down situation, but Penix remained composed under pressure.
Kyle Pitts' Crucial Touchdown
Kyle Pitts was on the receiving end of the pivotal pass, catching Penix's throw for a much-needed touchdown. However, in the midst of the adrenaline and excitement, Pitts inadvertently launched the touchdown ball into the crowd. Reflecting on the incident later, Pitts admitted, "I didn't know that was his first one. I thought he threw it the week prior. I didn't mean to throw his ball like that."
The Falcons' team ballboy, quick on his feet, managed to recover the ball. Pitts humorously explained how the retrieval unfolded: "Yeah, we did. We definitely had to track that down. I was pretty upset. It actually went pretty high. It went to one of the back ballboys, so we got it."
Michael Penix Jr.'s Journey
Penix's journey to this moment has been noteworthy. Drafted as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, expectations were high. He became a starter midway through the season in Week 16; by then, his stats showed promise. Across two starts, Penix completed 59.7% of his passes, accumulating 425 yards, achieving one touchdown, and throwing two interceptions.
His debut game, which resulted in a 34-7 victory over the New York Giants, didn’t feature any touchdown passes from him — making his connection with Pitts against the Commanders all the more significant.
With his first NFL touchdown pass now in the books, thanks to a seamless effort by Pitts and the Falcons' staff to recover the wayward ball, Michael Penix Jr. is poised to grow his legacy in the NFL. This game not only marked a personal achievement for him but also hinted at a promising future for the Falcons with Penix at the helm.