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The future looks bright for Falcons QB-WR duo of Michael Penix Jr. and WR Drake London
After last year’s failed Kirk Cousins experiment, the Atlanta Falcons are handing the franchise keys to second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The former top-10 draft pick has just three starts under his belt but flashed enough late in the season to secure the starting job going into 2025.
While Penix’s rookie numbers weren’t overly impressive, his film was extremely encouraging. By the season finale, he was passing the ball with the confidence of a seasoned vet. With a loaded supporting cast, including ascending wide receiver Drake London, Penix could take a major leap this year.
Pro Football Focus has been among Penix’s biggest supporters, ranking the young quarterback ahead of the last two first overall picks (Caleb Williams and Cam Ward) in their 2025 QB rankings. PFF gave Penix even more love in their quarterback-wide receiver duo rankings.
Even with their lack of experience, London and Penix were ranked as PFF’s 10th QB-WR duo entering the 2025 season.
“This is the big bet of these rankings. In Weeks 16, 17 and 18 of last season, Penix recorded an 89.5 PFF passing grade when targeting London, with four big-time throws, 15 first downs and 352 yards in just those games,” wrote PFF’s Trevor Sikkema. “If they pick up where they left off, this duo could easily rank in the top 10 in production and efficiency in 2025 and beyond.”
London, who had a breakout year with 100 catches for 1,271 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, ended the season with a career-high 187 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. Over the final two weeks alone, London caught 17 of 31 targets for 293 receiving yards and two scores.
Penix’s arm strength and accuracy allowed him to push the ball down the field with ease. He got the ball out quickly and read defenses well for a young quarterback. This was a drastic change from Cousins’ play over the second half of the season.
Penix and London were ranked ahead of some notable combos, including Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and breakout wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
If Atlanta’s offensive line holds up with center Ryan Neuzil taking over for Drew Dalman, the sky is the limit for this offense in 2025.
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