While the initial focus might have been on the quarterback who wasn't seen at the Atlanta Falcons' opening day of organized team activities -- Kirk Cousins -- the new starter quietly went about his business.
Michael Penix Jr. is the clear-cut QB1 after spending last offseason as a rookie backup learning the ropes. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Penix is "finding his voice" as a leader early in the offseason.
"When you take over that quarterback spot, there's a certain humility about playing the position," Morris said on Tuesday, via The Associated Press. "Then, it (comes) a certain confidence about playing the position. Eventually, it turns into a little bit of an arrogance about playing the position where it's non-negotiable. We're not there yet. I don't think we will be for a little bit, but I think he's at the mode of where he's starting to get that confidence to be able to figure out how to get to that point."
Penix sat most of his rookie season behind Cousins before the Falcons benched the struggling veteran. The move cleared the path for Penix to take the reins in Year 2. The 25-year-old QB said he's "excited" to take on that leadership role.
"The one that I want to point (to) is just connecting with the guys," Penix said. "I feel like I've done a lot better with connecting with everybody around the team. Not just offensive guys but defensive guys as well. Whether that's just around the facility eating lunch or going out and playing golf with some of them. Don't ask about my golf game."
Being QB1 comes with a different set of pressure points, both on and off the field. Penix said he recently spoke with former Falcons Pro Bowler Matt Ryan about those expectations.
"I spoke to Matt Ryan and had a good conversation with him (about) learning how to be a pro each and every day and how his process went," Penix said. "I feel like he definitely gave me some good things. Obviously he knows this is my second year coming into it (and) this is my first year starting. He talked to me about his times during that time and how he got to where he ended up."
Penix flashed talent on the field down the stretch, but being an opening-day starter on a club with designs on breaking a seven-year streak of missing the postseason is a different ballgame. How he reacts if things go sideways early will say a lot about his leadership qualities.
