The Green Bay Packers look to be on their third straight franchise quarterback. Aaron Rodgers was mentored by Brett Favre for three years before taking over the starting job. Jordan Love followed suit with Aaron Rodgers over a decade later.
Jordan Love had an incredible first season starting as he threw for over 4,000 yards, 32 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and added four rushing touchdowns. The Packers fell just three points shy of reaching the NFC Championship as well. The future is bright in Green Bay, and now another NFC team seems to be using a similar quarterback strategy.
The Green Bay Packers’ Quarterback Strategy Was Picked Up By NFC Rival
According to the Atlanta Falcons official website:
The Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from Washington with the No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Learn more about the Falcons’ first-round pick:
Height: 6-2
Weight: 216
School: Washington
2023 stats: 15 starts | 363 passes completed off 555 attempts (65.4 completion percentage) | 4,903 passing yards | 36 touchdowns | 11 interceptions
Honors: First-team All-American | 2x Second-team All-Pac 12 | Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 | Maxwell Award winner in 2023 | Heisman Trophy finalist | Team captain
Tori McElhaney’s analysis: The Falcons already have QB1 on the roster. That’s Kirk Cousins, and this pick doesn’t change that fact. What it does change, potentially, is the future of the quarterback position beyond the Cousins days.
The Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. during the same off-season that they gave QB Kirk Cousins a 4-year, $180M contract with $100M guaranteed.
The Atlanta Falcons Are Already Preparing For The Future Like The Packers Do
Kirk Cousins is 35 years old (will turn 36 before the 2024 season starts). Getting a young quarterback who may be able to take over before Cousins turns 40-years-old is a smart move for the long-term health of their franchise.
Washington changed Penix’s career trajectory. During his two seasons with the Huskies, he threw for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns. His second-place finish last season earned him two top-10 finishes in the Heisman Trophy voting. As a result of his leadership, Washington reached the College Football Playoff championship game. For many casual college football fans, Penix’s outstanding performance against Texas was their first exposure to his game.
Now Penix has a chance to learn under Cousins for multiple years before he gets a chance to start in the NFL. An incredible opportunity.
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