The Seattle Seahawks are traveling this week to face the Atlanta Falcons in a game that could significantly impact their regular season. The Falcons are favored to win by a field goal, according to the odds.
Although the Seahawks have more talent, they are currently on a three-game losing streak and have been hit hard by injuries. This week, they will be missing two starting cornerbacks and their top edge rusher. Their defense is especially weak against the run, which is Atlanta’s strength.
The Falcons might also have an advantage since their backup quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., is very familiar with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s system. Penix played for Grubb at Washington for the last two seasons.
Head coach Raheem Morris joked earlier this week about trying to gather as much information as possible from Penix, according to Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times.
“Man, we got Michael Penix in the room right now. We didn’t let him out for three days. We got a light in his face shining on him, man, making him give us everything, man. We got every signal, so make sure you change every single signal.”
Despite promises to focus on the run game in the offseason, Grubb’s offense has continued to be pass-heavy, just like it was with the Huskies. Heading into Week 7, Seattle has the highest pass-to-run ratio in the league this year.
Penix likely played very well as the scout-team quarterback this week because he shares many similarities with Geno Smith. This made him a tempting choice for Seattle in the 2024 NFL draft.
There was even a report that the team tried to trade up into the top 10 to select Penix, although the Seahawks later denied this.
Penix was drafted by the Falcons with the eighth overall pick, which was one of the biggest surprises in the first round. However, the Seahawks ended up with the top defensive prospect when they picked Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II at 16.
After missing the last three weeks due to a hamstring injury, Murphy will be back on the field on Sunday and has promised to show the Falcons what they missed by passing on him in the draft.
