Penix throws four picks in homecoming loss

Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions in Sunday's 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The performance marked the worst statistical showing of the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's young career. The game took place in heavy rain, a factor both teams acknowledged but refused to use as a primary excuse.

Penix grew up in Dade City, Florida, and attended high school in Tampa. He described the game as a homecoming that turned sour in front of family members in the stands. The Falcons (3-5) dropped their chance to take first place in the NFC South. They finished 8 of 24 for 125 passing yards.

The Buccaneers (3-5) became the first NFL team since 1974 to win a game without completing a single pass. Tampa Bay relied on its running game, rushing for a team-record 324 yards. The defense generated four turnovers against Penix, including two interceptions by linebacker Alex Anzalone on his first six throws.

Cornerbacks Jacob Parrish and Zyon McCollum recorded the other two picks. The final interception stopped a second-half drive in Buccaneers territory when Atlanta still had a chance to score. Most of the Falcons' passing production came from one play, a fourth-quarter catch-and-run by Jahan Dotson to the Buccaneers 22-yard line.

The following play resulted in Drake London's only reception. Penix then threw three incompletions from the 14-yard line, turning the ball over on downs. A week earlier, Penix had thrown for three touchdowns without an interception to beat San Francisco. Since returning to the starting lineup after an 0-2 start, he had thrown nine touchdown passes and just one interception.

Penix said he had to protect the ball to win games. He promised to shake it off and keep working. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stated he had no concerns about Penix moving forward. The Falcons will travel to Madrid next Sunday to face the Cincinnati Bengals.