The Michael Penix Jr. era begins with 1-0! The offense looked rejuvenated and the defense kept its sack streak going. The Atlanta Falcons may have found their man.

Here are the Week 16 Quick Reactions.

Going to Penix was the right decision

It was a display of the rookie quarterback’s arm talent, physical ability and skilled tricks. On the first play, Zac Robinson called a play-action rollout concept, and it wouldn’t be the last time, as he appeared to question whether he or Kirk wanted to stop the play from being made. It’s clear the quarterback forced a more limited offense, and we got a glimpse of what the Falcons could look like at full power.

The ball was getting everywhere quicker, the passing plays were expanded and the Falcons were less predictable and conservative than expected. Benching Cousins ​​was the right move. Penix increased the offensive and the staff’s trust in him was noticeable. Penix was asked to make multiple strides and attack in the middle of the field, something he wasn’t asked to do much of at UW, and he struggled when he had to.

It seems the time on the bench has been good for the quarterback, as you would never have thought that would be a weakness in his game. Zac Robinson and Penix are a much better match and the movie will be a blast. Watching this couple grow together could be special.

Drops for everyone, but the unicorn’s was special

Kyle Pitts is truly elite. He could have just dropped the ball like Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud did early in the game, but he shows you what an elite drop looks like. Not every TE can turn a red zone first into a street fight with Drake London; That takes drive that can only be found in the top four of the NFL Draft.

There’s always talk about the spin on a left quarterback’s ball; Today the group “It Makes a Difference” won. It probably doesn’t help that the Falcons receivers have switched from catching BBs to rocketing, but whatever the case may be, you can expect things to get back to normal once the Falcons’ weapons have more chemistry with their new one Have quarterback.

The Falcons have a pass rush to envy

What an absolutely absurd headline, and these are nothing but facts. The Falcons have been a top pass rushing unit over the last four games and they don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Arnold Ebiketie looks elite, and he always wins straight away.

Matthew Judon was named the most since Week 1 against the Steelers, and Zach Harrison continues to make impressive plays. Kaden Elliss is the nitromethane that makes this engine run, and if Atlanta can keep that going, they have as good a chance as anyone

Victory (due to performance) cures everything

It’s incredible what a win can do. Fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium got involved, online critics became instant fans, and there’s real hope that the Falcons have signed a guy. Nobody leaves this game with concessions or excuses. Fans just want to see more, and that’s something special.

Getting into the playoffs requires some magic, but when the Falcons go 3-0 with ever-improving QB play like this, fans can forgive it even if they don’t make it. That is the power of winning. There are still problems ahead that require good decision makers and solutions, but the curve you get from a franchise QB reduces the margin for error. It’s too early to say the Falcons have found their target, but they’re looking more closely than at any point in the last four years.

Expectations need to be tempered, but maybe they’ve found the right thing. After their miserable decline, the Atlanta Falcons have rattled off two straight wins and the offense seemed to be back on track. After ripping your heart out, the Falcons are all back in, they’re damn good at it, but we’re still going to sit there and watch.