Nick Saban explains why Michael Penix could be primed for success with Falcons
Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr. didn’t get an opportunity to start at quarterback as quickly as some of the other rookie QBs in this year’s draft class. However, he is set to get his opportunity this week after Kirk Cousins was benched.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban believes Penix is ready for his opportunity, in part because he was allowed to sit and watch Cousins for several weeks.
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“Well, I think first of all, the No. 1 reason there’s such a failure rate with quarterbacks, even guys that are very high draft picks, is they come in with great expectations,” Nick Saban said Thursday on The Pat McAfee Show. “They really don’t know for sure all the things they need to do to be able to play in the National Football League. They go out there and play before they’re ready. They lose their confidence. And then bad things happen.
“On the other hand, when you have all the situations that you just discussed, whether it was Aaron Rodgers behind Brett Favre, whatever. And these guys have a chance to learn and develop, I think they have a much better chance of being successful.”
Michael Penix Jr. was drafted by the Falcons with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite the Falcons signing Cousins to a four-year deal this offseason.
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Penix has played sparingly in two games so far this season. He’s completed 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards. With Cousins struggling lately, Falcons coach Raheem Morris opted to make a change.
Nick Saban is interested to see how well he performs and believes he has a chance to be successful.
“Even Michael Penix’s opportunity to spend three quarters of the season as a backup, no pressure, just learn, learn how to be a professional. I think he has a much better chance to succeed,” Saban said. “The guy has great ability. He’s got the right mindset. He’s a good guy. He’s going to be a good leader in the league.
“So I think he has a better chance to be successful. Now, is it going to be instant? Maybe not. But I think a much better chance than he would’ve had if he’d have had to come in and start right off.”