The Atlanta Falcons are entering the Michael Penix Jr. era, with the second-year quarterback set for his first full season as the starter. With the season quickly approaching, there’s significant hype and buzz surrounding the young signal-caller. Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud is among those fully bought in, believing Penix has what it takes to lead the team all the way.
“Boy, I’m excited, and I’m not gonna be surprised by any of it,” McCloud said. “I’ve watched [Penix] every day for the last year at practice, and I’m just ready to see him go into an experienced year, a polished year, and see how it goes — go all the way to the Super Bowl.”
The Falcons may not be done building around Penix, either. Blogging Dirty’s Grey Freestone mentioned the team could consider adding veteran wide receiver Gabe Davis to the mix.
“However, Davis still has a lot to offer any team as a big-game performer and a deadly deep threat; two reasons the Falcons should be calling. Through his four seasons in Buffalo, Davis averaged 16.7 yards per reception and had a reception of at least 49 yards in each of those seasons, helping him to 27 touchdowns,” Freestone wrote. “The Dirty Birds should jump at the chance to sign him if he is willing to sign a one-year prove-it deal. Having an extra threat who can produce 20-plus-yard catches would be especially beneficial for this Michael Penix Jr.-led offense.”
If things don’t work out with Davis, the Falcons could turn to someone already familiar with Penix. ESPN’s Mike Reiss has noted that former Washington receiver Ja’Lynn Polk may not make the New England Patriots’ final roster. That connection hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“If Polk is cut… I’d swing at it, especially [with] the relationship already being there with QB1,” BroTalk of The Reporting Eligible Podcast posted.
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Polk and Penix were teammates at Washington, helping lead the Huskies to the national title game. With McCloud confident in a Super Bowl run, it may be wise to bring in a receiver who has already shared a high-pressure championship setting with the Falcons’ new franchise quarterback.
