The Falcons' first-round gunslinger taps into his mindset ahead of earning his first starting nod as Atlanta hosts New York.
The New York Giants are no strangers to making a sudden change at the quarterback position in the middle of a difficult season. Now they’ll face an opponent who is doing likewise at an equally pivotal moment.
Still, the veteran had been struggling lately, throwing nine interceptions and just one touchdown in the last five contests to sink Atlanta’s record to 7-7 after starting the year with a strong 6-4 record in the first 10. “And as far as what you were talking about with the physical part, as far as getting the reps with the guys, that would come this week, and we got this week to prepare. And I already talked to some of the receivers, and they said they're ready to get those reps, if we have to do it after practice to get more then they're willing to and that's the biggest thing. You know, just make sure I find time to get with those guys.
For the first time in several years, he is entering as the replacement with a lot of pressure on his shoulders to perform as the Falcons’ hopes for extended January football hangs in the balance. While the environment is one with high stakes for both franchises, which aren’t in the top weight class of the NFL but have two totally separate goals in mind, Penix knows he can only control what is right in front of him, and that’s his mindset on the game at hand before any real conversation about the future takes place.
Atlanta’s pass attack hasn’t been thrilling in recent contests, but they still own the 21st-ranked unit in points and the ninth-best huddle in yards per game, which extends from being sixth and eighth in average aerial yards per game and throw.
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