Nov 9, 2025; Berlin, Germany; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) gestures before the snap against the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL Berlin Game at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Whether a comment was misinterpreted, not heard clearly, or given an honest opinion, it happened in Atlanta with the Falcons when Michael Penix Jr. seemed to throw a passive-aggressive barb during a press conference earlier this week. The Atlanta Falcons have enough problems. Have things gotten worse for a franchise that is trying to get to the playoffs for the first time since 2017?

When Penix Jr. was asked who he sought help from, it seems as if he didn't fully understand the question and just gave an answer that may suffice, or he truly has no one to turn to when things get tough as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Penix Jr. stated that he didn't have anyone in the organization to turn to, aside from some former coaches who called him. Instead, he would say that his fiancée is always there for him, regardless of how he plays, and always greets him with a smile and a hug. Needless to say, the media took this and ran with it, out of context or not; it drew everyone's attention, even Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

"Stop looking for stuff on a young man," Morris said Friday. "You don't need this stuff on him. It is what it is. But all of those things people do, it doesn't matter to affect this building.

"I just feel bad for the kid. I don't want the kid having to deal with stuff that doesn't matter or stuff that's not real. ... Let his problems be his problems, like third downs. Let's fix those. Don't make up [a thing] that doesn't exist."

Something that could be considered even more shade thrown at the coaching staff was when Penix Jr. was asked to clarify his comments and declined, only stating that "Everyone in the Falcons facility knows the truth." Now, the coaching staff has come out and said that Penix Jr. has himself to talk to, as well as offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams, offensive passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach T.J. Yates, and senior offensive assistant Ken Zampese to lean on. Robinson, Williams, and Yates all played quarterback. Morris also mentioned the contributions of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is backing up Penix.

Quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams said that he talks to Penix Jr. more than he talks to his own kids. Everything more Michael Penix Jr. right now is part of a learning curve of how to be a professional, and running back Bijan Robinson has spoken to the young QB in the past to specify how the media can take any comment and blow it way out of proportion.

After a 3-6 start in Atlanta with bad losses to the Carolina Panthers and the Miami Dolphins, and having a convincing victory over the Buffalo Bills, Falcons fans have been treated to a case of Jekyll and Hyde. Now, some turmoil inside the organization has come to light. The rest of the season may get very interesting, with the Falcons already facing an uphill battle to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017, after they were expected to have a promising season and were seen as the NFC Division Champions, or at the very least a playoff birth.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: What happens when a head coach and QB clash? Ask the Atlanta Falcons

Reporting by Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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