The won't be able to rest in their bye week after suffering two straight losses to the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos.
Although the Falcons still have a winning record and lead the NFC South, they missed an opportunity to differentiate themselves from the rest of the division. Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Broncos got so ugly that Atlanta brought in a rookie quarterback . in the fourth quarter.
Penix appeared in two games this season, playing a total of 20 snaps and completing three of five pass attempts for 38 yards. The No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft currently leads the team at 92.1 Grade in the bye week.
The Falcons' 10 highest-rated players at bye:
- QB Michael Penix: 92.1
- RB Bijan Robinson: 91.6
- OL Chris Lindstrom: 91.5
- DB Natrone Brooks: 89.9
- RB Tyler Allgeier: 84.8
- WR Drake London: 82.2
- OLB Khalid Kareem: 79.1
- OL Drew Dalman: 78.9
- QB Kirk Cousins: 77.3
- S Jessie Bates: 76.4
Falcons running back is second on the team with a PFF grade of 91.6 after 11 games. Robinson, the team's first-round pick in 2023, has a significantly larger sample size in front of him. The former Texas star has rushed for 783 yards and six touchdowns on 167 carries this season.
Defensive back (89.9) and outside linebacker (79.1) are the team's two best-rated defensive players at the bye. quarterback (77.3) and safety Jessie Bates III (76.4) rounded out the top 10.
Atlanta has struggled with numerous injuries in its secondary, which was evident in the team's 32-point loss to Denver. The Falcons entered the game without three of their top seven cornerbacks and lost a fourth before it was over. Broncos rookie quarterback lit up Atlanta's defense for 307 yards and four touchdowns.
Things don't get much easier for the team in Week 13. The Falcons return home to host the Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium next Sunday.
