Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – "Breaking Down What to Expect from Michael Penix"

Release Date: December 18, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show hosted by Bobby Skinner and Justin Pennington from the iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network, the hosts delve deep into the Atlanta Falcons' recent quarterback decisions, particularly focusing on the benching of Kirk Cousins and the introduction of rookie quarterback Michael Penix. The discussion provides a comprehensive analysis of the Falcons' strategy, the implications of these changes, and what fans can expect moving forward.

1. Kirk Cousins’ Performance and Benching

The episode begins with Bobby Skinner addressing the Falcons' pivotal decision to bench veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Justin Pennington emphasizes that this move was inevitable due to Cousins' declining performance:

Justin Pennington [03:17]: “I don't think this was like Matt Ryan level of bad… but Kirk Cousins forced their hand.”

Bobby elaborates on Cousins' statistics, highlighting his struggles this season:

Bobby Skinner [03:23]: “One touchdown, nine interceptions in the last five games and one in four with…”

The hosts discuss Cousins' inability to effectively maneuver the offense, particularly his limited mobility and predictability in play-calling. They compare Cousins' situation to other quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and Peyton Manning, noting that while Cousins may not have reached the lows of these legends, his performance necessitated a change.

2. Decision to Draft Michael Penix

Transitioning to the Falcons' strategic moves, the hosts critique the team's decision to sign Cousins while also drafting Michael Penix:

Bobby Skinner [10:23]: “I think no matter what way you paint this, the Falcons messed up somewhere along the line…”

Justin criticizes the Falcons for what he perceives as a misstep in their quarterback strategy:

Justin Pennington [12:23]: “Kirk Cousins is going to go down in NFL history as the most expensive bridge quarterback ever.”

Bobby agrees, pointing out the financial implications and the lack of foresight in the Falcons' approach:

Bobby Skinner [12:51]: “They should have just signed some, used that money elsewhere, signed a bridge quarterback and drafted Michael Penix.”

The discussion underscores the tension between investing heavily in a veteran versus building for the future with a rookie like Penix.

3. Analysis of Michael Penix’s Potential

The core of the episode revolves around Michael Penix's prospects as the Falcons' new quarterback. Bobby and Justin analyze Penix's strengths and weaknesses, drawing from his college performance and potential fit within the Falcons' offensive scheme.

Bobby Skinner [15:44] outlines Penix's abilities:

“He can read defenses. He sees the rotations that defenses use and has good recall to come back to a play.”

However, concerns are raised about Penix's decision-making under pressure:

Bobby Skinner [24:44]: “He throws the ball in harm's way… when he's under pressure, the accuracy suffers.”

Justin adds that while Penix may not mirror the playstyle of mobile quarterbacks like Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, he offers stability and a clean pocket presence:

Justin Pennington [21:29]: “He is a capable moving quarterback. That I think some of the core identity things that that Atlanta Falcons offense wants to do they're going to be able to do it a lot more now.”

4. Falcons’ Offensive Strategy and Future Expectations

The hosts discuss how Penix's introduction is expected to revitalize the Falcons' offense, which was previously hampered by Cousins' limitations. They highlight the improved offensive line and the potential for a more dynamic play-calling approach.

Justin Pennington [19:16] notes:

“The offensive line is still holding up pretty well… Drake London is up there in terms of contested catch guys…”

Bobby expresses optimism about the offensive strategy, likening it to successful systems like Sean McVay’s tree, which has produced offensive powerhouses through strategic quarterback utilization:

Bobby Skinner [15:44]: “This is why we love the Falcons, you know, this year with the quarterback and having to play.”

5. Expectations for Upcoming Games

Looking ahead, Bobby and Justin discuss what fans can expect in the Falcons' upcoming games, particularly the matchup against the New York Giants. They anticipate that Penix will avoid over-reliance on the pass, instead leveraging the Falcons' strong running game and proven receivers like Darnell Mooney and Drake London.

Bobby Skinner [27:18]: “I think Penix should be averaging 8 to 10 yards per attempt and hitting passes over the middle.”

Justin concurs, suggesting that the Falcons will likely focus on a balanced offensive attack to maximize Penix's strengths while minimizing his vulnerabilities under pressure.

6. Conclusion

Bobby and Justin wrap up the episode by reiterating their cautious optimism regarding Michael Penix's role with the Falcons. While acknowledging the missteps in the team's quarterback strategy, they emphasize the potential for Penix to thrive within the Falcons' offensive framework, provided he can maintain accuracy under pressure and capitalize on the team's offensive weapons.

Bobby Skinner [29:18]: “I'm excited for the Falcons offense to be able to run without just extreme limitations at the quarterback.”

The hosts encourage listeners to stay tuned for how Penix’s integration unfolds in the coming weeks, leaving fans eager for the Falcons' next moves.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Justin Pennington [03:17]: “I don't think this was like Matt Ryan level of bad… but Kirk Cousins forced their hand.”

• Bobby Skinner [03:23]: “One touchdown, nine interceptions in the last five games and one in four with…”

• Justin Pennington [12:23]: “Kirk Cousins is going to go down in NFL history as the most expensive bridge quarterback ever.”

• Justin Pennington [21:29]: “He is a capable moving quarterback. That I think some of the core identity things that that Atlanta Falcons offense wants to do they're going to be able to do it a lot more now.”

• Bobby Skinner [27:18]: “I think Penix should be averaging 8 to 10 yards per attempt and hitting passes over the middle.”

• Bobby Skinner [29:18]: “I'm excited for the Falcons offense to be able to run without just extreme limitations at the quarterback.”

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a thorough examination of the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation, providing listeners with insightful analysis and expert opinions on the implications of signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix. Bobby Skinner and Justin Pennington deliver a nuanced discussion that balances criticism with optimism, making it a valuable listen for Falcons fans and NFL enthusiasts alike.