In this era of inflation, it's not often a consumer finds a deal too good to pass up.
For Michael Penix Jr., he got two this week: a promotion, and a Costco hot dog.
That's right, the Falcons' new starting quarterback was in line for the go-to culinary item at the multinational big-box warehouse store when he was informed he'd be taking the field for Atlanta in Week 16.
"Whenever I got the call, I wasn't hungry no more," Penix said Wednesday.
Penix's appetite might have been satiated, but a hunger remains: to lead Atlanta to victory. That type of starvation requires more than a hot dog.
"I got a lot of feelings," Penix said. "I don't know what they are, but I'm just ready to play."
Penix takes over for a Falcons team in desperate need of production from the quarterback position. Kirk Cousins' performance slipped dramatically over the last five weeks, and Atlanta only left Las Vegas victorious Monday night because its defense, special teams and running backs carried the load.
A boost in production under center just might turn around the Falcons' fortunes, and it couldn't come at a better time. At 7-7, they're a game behind the Buccaneers and essentially need to win out to give themselves the best chance to take home the NFC South.
Penix understands the stakes, which are unusually high for a rookie quarterback to make his debut. He's focused on preventing them from affecting his approach.
"I just got to be myself," Penix said. "I don't feel like I got to be anybody else. I don't have to try too hard to be the big leader, the vocal leader. Just be myself. Trust in my preparation and bring everybody along with me."
Because of his extensive experience gained at both Indiana and Washington, Penix entered the 2024 NFL Draft as the quarterback considered to be the most pro-ready, which made Atlanta's selection of him peculiar to some, especially considering they'd just handed Cousins a $180 million deal. Nearly eight months later, Atlanta's vision is now clear for everyone to see.
A scenario most every football-playing youth has envisioned will become reality for Penix on Sunday. Falcons fans are hoping it produces a dreamy afternoon.
"I ain't going to lie, I'm going to be nervous running out of that tunnel," Penix said. "But whenever I get on the field, it's a whole different mentality, a flipped switch. I'm ready to go."
