NE Atlanta News

BALTIMORE -- The Falcons chose not to play a majority of their would-be starters in their 13-12 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. This decision was consistent with their approach in the first preseason game against Miami last week.

Unexpectedly, rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. did not dress for the game. This contrasted with Chicago's decision to play fellow rookies Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze for an entire half in its own preseason game.

Head coach Raheem Morris explained that the Falcons felt confident in keeping nearly 40 players, including Penix, on the sideline. Morris cited Penix's performance in the first preseason game and subsequent practices as key factors.

"It was all about that. Last week we wanted to get him out there and get a feel for what he was in a live game, which we kind of already knew," Morris said. "We wanted to see him be able to answer questions, talk about it on the sideline, go out there and execute, make mistakes and know what to do... We saw enough last week of Michael Penix in the live stuff and now we had the chance to mitigate him, and in practice, you know, we give him a bunch of live stuff in practice that you do everything that you would do in a game other than get hit."

In Miami's first preseason game, Penix participated in five series of live work. He completed nine of his 16 passes for 104 passing yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. According to Morris, this performance justified keeping Penix off the field against Baltimore.

"We feel really good with where we're at with Michael," Morris said. "... Mike showed us last week enough that we don't have to play him in the preseason."