{
  "id": 19007063,
  "title": "NFL Legend Blasts Michael Penix Jr Following Falcons’ Loss to Bengals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/nfl-legend-blasts-michael-penix-jr-following-falcons-loss-to-bengals",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T19:55:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/nfl-legend-blasts-michael-penix-jr-following-falcons-loss-to-bengals-12684093"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NFL legend Shannon Sharpe has expressed his dissatisfaction with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during a recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Sharpe, who was watching the match on Sunday, suggested that the Falcons should consider finding a new quarterback for the upcoming season. According to Sharpe, Penix is currently the third or fourth best quarterback in a struggling division.\n\nIn a recent post on X/Twitter, Sharpe criticized Penix's arm strength, highlighting that he missed a key receiver open for a touchdown in the 34-17 loss. Sharpe pointed out this missed opportunity as a glaring issue in Penix's performance. The Falcons, currently sitting at a 3-6 record, have been struggling, but Sharpe emphasized that Penix is not solely responsible for the team's difficulties.\n\nBefore the game against the Bengals, Penix had shown promise, completing 61.9% of his passes for 1,282 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. However, four of those interceptions occurred during the Falcons' 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Sunday's game, the Falcons allowed an alarming 388 yards to the Bengals, with wide receiver Ja Marr Chase being responsible for 155 of those yards. The team also committed 12 penalties, which significantly hampered their progress on both sides of the ball.\n\nDespite the Falcons' continued belief in Penix, the struggles of the team have raised doubts about his future. It would not be surprising if the Falcons look to move on from Penix and potentially draft a new franchise quarterback in 2027.",
  "summary": "An NFL legend believes the Falcons need a new quarterback after watching Michael Penix Jr.",
  "key_points": [
    "NFL legend Shannon Sharpe criticizes Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.",
    "Penix Jr. missed open receiver for touchdown in 34-17 loss.",
    "Falcons' struggles raise doubts about Penix's future."
  ],
  "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."
}