Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. drew a unpredictable moment in Falcons-Titans joint practices, ending up on the ground amid a scuffle sparked by celebrations and trash talk. Penix handled the moment with a mix of fire and humility, insisting his competitiveness is part of who he is but that he must avoid situations that blow up. Atlanta plans to shield him from unnecessary preseason hits, yet the QB’s arm was on full display in practice, particularly on deep throws to Ray-Ray McCloud III. The early storyline folds Penix’s ceiling with a conservative preseason approach, setting up Week 1 against Tampa Bay as a pivotal test of timing and rhythm for the Falcons’ aerial attack.

Raheem Morris emphasized limiting quarterback hits in August, mirroring a growing league trend of protecting key players while still building timing with playmakers. Penix’s blunt readiness message — “I’m going to be ready for Week 1” — underscored a quarterback who trusts preparation and instincts even without preseason reps. The exchange left fantasy observers weighing Penix’s big-arm upside against the rust risk of zero live-action exhibition snaps, with McCloud and a developing Falcons receiving corps as potential beneficiaries as the season opener approaches.