Falcons QB Penix targets Tampa Bay

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will take the field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa for the first time as a starter this Sunday. The game marks Penix's first chance to play on the Buccaneers' home turf, a venue he has only ever visited from the sideline or while watching from the stands.

Penix grew up in Dade City, Florida, less than an hour south of the stadium. A street sign in his hometown bears his name. He watched from the sidelines in January 2021 as Indiana University lost to Ole Miss in the Outback Bowl at the same stadium. He also served as the backup quarterback for Atlanta in a 2024 win over Tampa Bay but missed last season's meeting due to a knee injury.

The Falcons enter the game with a 5-2 record, holding the lead in the NFC South. The Buccaneers sit at 4-3. Atlanta currently leads the conference by two points. A win this week would extend that gap to three points. Penix said the team is focused on the task at hand rather than the standings.

"We have to keep our focus on the game," Penix said. "It is just another game to us, but it is a big one for the city of Tampa."

The Falcons have allowed an average of 24.3 points per game this season. They have not given up more than 31 points in a contest. Penix noted that the defense has been consistent, allowing only 17 points in three of the last four games. He credited the unit for its effort in creating a balanced attack.

Head coach Raheem Morris said Penix has been leading the team well since his arrival. Morris noted that Penix's confidence has grown as he has gained experience in the league. "He is a winner," Morris said. "He wants to win when he gets the ball."

Penix emphasized that the team will treat the matchup against the Buccaneers like any other contest on the schedule. He said the group is preparing for a physical game and is not looking past this week's opponent. The Falcons travel to Tampa on Friday to begin final preparations.

The game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. It is the first time Penix will throw a pass in Raymond James Stadium. He has previously only watched games there as a fan or a member of a visiting team.