Falcons’ Morris Defends Penix Jr., Condemns Misleading Viral Clip
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris expressed frustration Friday over a viral clip of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. that was misinterpreted on social media, calling the situation “a joke” and lamenting the behavior of online commenters.The clip,taken from a wednesday news conference,featured Penix discussing his support system of fiancée and former coaches. Some users falsely claimed the segment implied Penix felt unsupported by the Falcons’ coaching staff and roster.
“Stop looking for stuff on a young man,” Morris said. “You don’t need this stuff on him. It is what it is. But all of those things people do, it doesn’t matter [and] doesn’t affect this building.”
Morris emphasized his concern for Penix, stating, “I just feel bad for the kid. I don’t want the kid having to deal wiht stuff that doesn’t matter or stuff that’s not real. … Let his problems be his problems, like third downs. Let’s fix those. Don’t make up [a thing] that doesn’t exist.”
Penix declined to clarify his original comments when asked Friday, stating that those within the Falcons association already understand the context.
Morris confirmed he and Penix joked about the situation during practice this week and highlighted the support Penix receives from offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach D.J. williams, offensive passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach T.J. Yates, and senior offensive assistant Ken Zampese – all of whom have quarterbacking experience. He also noted the mentorship of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Williams stated he communicates with Penix and the other Falcons quarterbacks more frequently than with his own children and didn’t feel a conversation regarding the clip was necessary. “I don’t even pay attention to it, to be honest with you,” Williams said. “As long as we know. I mean, everything else is just elevator music.”
Penix is currently completing 58.8% of his passes for 1,807 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in his first full season as the Falcons’ starting quarterback. His QBR of 53.6 ranks 19th in the NFL.
The Falcons (3-6) are on a four-game losing streak and will face the Carolina Panthers at home on Sunday.
Running back Bijan Robinson echoed the sentiment of team support, stating he speaks with Penix ”every single day” and has discussed how media can distort clips. “everybody’s here to help,” Robinson said. “Everybody wants you to succeed at the end of the day. so for us, everybody in this building, we all got each other’s back.That’s why I tell everybody,the outside world,the external world is going to try to divide us and try hard.So we got to keep our faith high, and that’s just going to push us through.”
