The Atlanta Falcons face a brutal truth after their 34-17 loss in Madrid. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is now the worst-ever qualified passer in NFL history when facing pressure. This isn’t just a bad game. It is a historic low that puts the entire season at risk.
New data shows Penix completed only one of nine passes for negative three yards and an interception when defenders rushed him Sunday. He has finished just 18 percent of his throws under pressure all year. That number is the lowest mark by any qualified passer since ESPN began tracking these stats in 2009.
A Historic Low For The Falcons
NFL insider Marc Raimondi reported these shocking numbers on X after the game. The stats reveal a massive gap between Penix’s talent and his ability to handle a pass rush. Last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he threw four interceptions in a blowout loss. Now he has a record that no Falcons fan wants to see.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski did not sugarcoat the performance after the loss. “Can he play better and are there things we can get corrected? Yes. But we expected him to play well,” he said, according to Yahoo Sports. The team needs a fix fast because the defense is also struggling to stop the run.
Defense Must Step Up Now
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich admits the unit has not reached its potential. “We have not played up to our potential, in my opinion. Not even close,” Ulbrich said, according to Yahoo Sports. The Falcons rank 18th in total defense and 17th in scoring defense through eight games.
Atlanta allowed Tampa Bay to dominate with its rushing attack last week. “Whenever you give up that many rush yards, that is a failure by everyone in a lot of ways,” Ulbrich said. The defense can pressure quarterbacks on 40 percent of dropbacks, but they need to stop the run to survive.
Penix Jr. knows the team cannot keep playing like this. “We know that’s not who we want to be this season. We have to put that on display if we want to win football games,” said Penix Jr. The team prepares for a matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Falcons will host the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m.
