A number of younger quarterbacks could have reached tipping factors.
Following Week 10 losses, the Falcons, Panthers, Browns and Vikings may be contemplating subsequent season’s choices. Under, we take a more in-depth take a look at every tough efficiency, plus a very horrific late-afternoon window.
Through the 2024 offseason, the Falcons spent $100M and a first-round decide to unravel their quarterback conundrum. Lower than two years later, and Atlanta continues to be looking for an answer.
Penix, the No. 8 total decide of the 2024 NFL Draft, was principally ineffective in a 31-25 time beyond regulation loss to the Indianapolis Colts (8-2), which prolonged the Falcons’ shedding streak to 4 video games. The second-year quarterback accomplished lower than half of his go makes an attempt, ending 12-of-28 for 177 yards and a landing whereas additionally shedding a fumble. Penix was atrocious on third downs, going 1-of-5 for negative-four yards whereas additionally shedding 20 yards on two sacks, one leading to a misplaced fumble and the opposite a 12-yarder in time beyond regulation that compelled Atlanta to punt from deeper in its territory, giving Indianapolis possession 57 yards from the top zone.
Sunday marked Penix’s twelfth profession begin, and he is proven a regarding lack of progress. He is one of many league’s least correct quarterbacks, finishing 58.8% of his go makes an attempt after Week 10’s loss, the third-worst completion charge within the league, forward of solely rookies Cam Ward and Dillon Gabriel.
Atlanta has a gifted set of playmakers, led by broad receiver Drake London and operating again Bijan Robinson, however till Penix takes a leap, the Falcons (3-6) will stay an afterthought. If he would not, it might set the franchise again years. Atlanta would not maintain its 2026 first-round decide, and fourth-year professional London will quickly be owed an enormous extension. Robinson, in Yr 3, will observe shortly thereafter. Getting Penix proper is crucial for the Falcons, however with every passing week, it is wanting increasingly more like signing Cousins wasn’t their greatest mistake two offseasons in the past.
Younger continues to take steps backward after a promising finish to 2024. On Sunday, he was outplayed by New Orleans Saints rookie Tyler Shough, making his second profession begin, in a 17-7 residence loss. Younger did not deal with Saints strain properly, and the Panthers (5-5) ended with 102 web passing yards. The 2023 No. 1 total decide additionally threw an unpleasant interception, badly under-throwing rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan.
