Penix shines, Falcons struggle to stay in one piece in preseason loss to Dolphins

Get out. And not the 2017 blockbuster horror thriller from Jordan Peele, I’m talking about the Atlanta Falcons getting out alive after their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins in a sloppy, injury-riddled game at Hard Rock Stadium. This isn’t all the Dolphins’ fault, of course, it’s Debby’s…Tropical Storm Debby brushed by the South Florida area before it hit the panhandle and left just enough in its wake to affect the field to the tune of two more injuries that Falcons fans have to worry about. Terry Fontenot is going to have his work cut out for him this week.

For the play on the field, Falcons fans have a good amount to be excited about, despite losing the game 20-13. Some players were flying around on the field, as much as the slippery field would allow, and making plays. Others were playing themselves right onto the bench and out of Flowery Branch. We take a look at some of the top storylines to focus on as the Falcons struggled to leave Hard Rock Stadium in one piece.

Penix Pops out and Shows Everybody

This off-season, everybody had something to say about the Falcons and their decision to pick Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in the 2024 NFL draft. Some questioned the Falcons’ logic behind the selection (myself included) with so many holes on the roster. Some questioned if Penix was even worth the top-ten selection he was given (myself included). A lot of uncertainty led up to this moment, but with his performance today, Penix may have silenced the doubters for a night (myself included).

Penix ended the night in the second quarter 9-for-16 with 104 yards and led two scoring drives, equaling up to ten of the Falcons’ 13 points.

Penix looked poised, controlled and made quick decisions to help keep the drive moving. He and his receivers weren’t on the same page from time to time, specifically his favorite target Casey Washington , but that all changed when Penix found receiver Chris Blair down the field for a massive gain to set up a Younghoe Koo field goal.

Penix showed off the arm tonight and while those doubters may not be believers just yet, they certainly are put on notice (myself included).

Heinicke Hitting the Hay

Once Penix was done, quarterback Taylor Heinicke took over for the star-studded gunslinger…and did not look good. On his first snap, he and seventh-rounder Jovaughn Gwyn were not on the same page and it ended up in the hands of defensive lineman Isaiah Mack.

An unfortunate sign of what was to come.

Heinicke ended the day 4-for-11 for 11 yards. You’re reading that correctly, 11 total passing yards.

Heinicke said earlier this week that the writing was on the wall for him as the Falcons' backup quarterback, despite him restructuring his contract to take a pay cut this offseason.

There were mentions of Heinicke potentially being on the trading block ahead of the 2024 season. After tonight, getting anything for Heinicke may be a much more maligned task than first expected.

Highlights

• Kevin King is doing everything he can to put himself in the CB2 conversation, including an impressive interception in the first quarter of the game.
• Washington was a favorite regardless of who the quarterback was, finishing the game with nine total targets, but only hauling in three of them for 27 yards. He made up for it on special teams with a key fumble recovery that set the Falcons up just outside the red zone midway through the fourth quarter.
• The other Washington, Carlos Washington, Jr. scored the only touchdown for the Falcons on a one-yard run, but overall, had an up-and-down day. Washington finished the day with 25 yards on 14 carries.
• Linebacker JD Bertrand flashed a bit today, he had his lapses in coverage, but there is clearly some talent there.
• Miami's running game was more effective than Atlanta’s. Speedster Jaylen Wright had a stellar play where he utilized his game-breaking speed to reverse field.
• Seeing Raheem Morris and Mike McDaniel challenge each other was a highlight of an otherwise sloppy day.

What’s Next?

The Atlanta Falcons are back on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens next Saturday, August 17th at noon.