Ryan then went into how the team will help Penix improve after he struggled in 2025, completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,982 yards (220.2 per game), nine touchdowns and three interceptions in nine starts before suffering a torn ACL. The team president highlighted the addition of veteran QB coach Alex Van Pelt to Kevin Stefanski’s staff as a boon for the future of Penix.
“How do you help him improve? No. 1, it starts with surrounding him with really solid coaches,” Ryan said. “I’m excited for Alex Van Pelt to come in. He’s a good football coach. When you come in, you talk about the amount of experience he has for a young player like Michael. I think that’s really good. You go to the basics; to me, it always comes down to the basics. Shall we start with the feet? I know in this interview process, Alex will start with hammering the right foot, so he’s going to start hammering the right foot. fundamentals.
“Michael does a great job. He can spin the football. We’re excited about what he does and we’re excited about the staff we’re putting around him.”
Ryan highlighting Penix’s footwork is key. During the 2025 campaign, the second-year signal-caller got confused with the bottom half too often, especially when he saw pressure looks, leading to a number of errant passes. Whether the previous coaching staff couldn’t help build the young player up to overcome those moments or potential progress was thwarted by the latest knee injury is irrelevant at this point. The new staff will be tasked with making sure the first-round pick with the big arm doesn’t fall apart due to poor mechanics.
Given Penix’s continued rehab, the Falcons will enter free agency with questions under center. Kirk Cousins Whether it’s Cousins or another veteran, Ryan & Co. need. adding a proven forward to aid in Penix’s development and being ready to step in if the youngster’s game falters.