Possible rookie QB duel for Atlanta Falcons called best rookie matchup by The Athletic

Chris Burke of the Ahtletic has identified some of the best rookie matchups that are on the 2024 NFL schedule. One of the clashes that should surprise the most will be played in week 12 between the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos.

The Falcons’ pick of Penix was a jaw-dropping draft moment, if for no other reason than Penix has nowhere to play for a while. This won’t be the QB matchup in Week 12 unless Kirk Cousins ​​suffers another injury or absolutely bombs as Atlanta’s starting QB. Nix also still has to contend for the Broncos job away from Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham, but it would be a disappointment if he doesn’t make it.

While on the surface this looks like contract mention of the Falcons’ surprise first-round pick of Penix, there is merit to Penix being an option in 2024. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​is coming off a complete Achilles tear that ended his tenure. season eight weeks later. An injury that The Athletic injury expert Greg Scholz says is rare due to the strength of the tendon. To add, Scholz says the average time to heal from an injury is about four to six months for us civilians who don’t need our bodies to “perform at an extremely high level on a daily basis.”

So far, there’s no word that Cousins ​​might re-injure his Achilles tendon or anything else, as his recovery process is steadily improving, starting with this viral video that may or not to have been strategically let go amid the free agency frenzy.

It’s been almost 4 months now… encouraged by the progress! Grateful for all the help around us pic.twitter.com/s6udNzo9VO

– Kirk Cousins ​​(@KirkCousins8) February 26, 2024

However, if Cousins ​​were to go down and Penix’s tenure as a Falcon begins early, the eventual Pac-12 championship rematch in Week 12 would be a game to highlight.

Nix is ​​currently 0-3 against Penix, including a heartbreaker 34-31 in the Pac-12 Championship where Penix won the MVP award after completing 27 of 39 passes for 319 yards and a touchdown . Nix finished the day 21 of 34 for 239 yards and three touchdowns. He also led his team in rushing with 69 rushing yards.