{
  "id": 11344988,
  "title": "Michael Penix Jr. Throws Shade at Saints Ahead of Monday Night Matchup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/michael-penix-jr-throws-shade-at-saints-ahead-of-monday-night-matchup",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T03:17:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/michael-penix-jr-throws-shade-at-saints-ahead-of-monday-night-matchup-12513970"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The upcoming Monday Night matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints is expected to be charged with bitter rivalries. Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons' quarterback, expressed some sharp comments about his opponents ahead of the game. According to ESPN's Marc Raimondi, Penix said, \"There is little love lost between division rivals. The Atlanta Falcons/New Orleans Saints matchup on Monday night is no different.\" The only nice thing Penix could say about Saints was that \"That's probably the only nice thing I can say about them.\"\n\nPenix's remarks come after the Falcons' triumphant return to action on Thursday, where he threw for 256 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception with a 72% completion percentage. This performance could fuel the team's enthusiasm for the game. Historically, Penix has never beaten the Saints, losing a 17-20 match in their only encounter back in November 2024.\n\nOn the other side, the Saints are not expected to be a pushover. Under second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, they have emerged as one of the league's most thrilling teams. Shough, despite occasional inconsistencies, is incredibly dynamic in the passing game. He leads the league with 132 passing attempts through 3 games in the Saints' pass-heavy offensive setup.\n\nThe Falcons are expected to continue their ground dominance, following their monstrous 242-yard, 3 touchdown rushing game against the Green Bay Packers. Bijan Robinson and at times Brian Robinson appeared nearly unstoppable in that game.",
  "summary": "Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw shade at the New Orleans Saints ahead of the matchup on Monday Night Football.",
  "key_points": [
    "Michael Penix Jr. criticized New Orleans Saints ahead of Monday Night game.",
    "Penix praised Saints only as \"the only nice thing\" about them.",
    "Saints quarterback Tyler Shough leads league with 132 passing attempts in 3 games."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}