Atlanta rookie and Tampa native Michael Penix Jr. made a promising debut, completing 9 of 16 passes for 104 yards in the Falcons’ 20-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Friday night, marking the preseason opener for both teams.
Penix, a standout from Washington and the eighth overall draft pick, started the game and commanded the first five drives. His highlight of the night was a 41-yard completion to receiver Chris Blair down the sideline, coming midway through the first quarter. “It was fun to be out there competing with my brothers,” Penix said. “I’ve been playing the game since I was 5 years old. No nerves. No jitters. I was just ready to go.”