Entering second season, Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. finding his voice as a leader, starting QB

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — As Michael Penix Jr. is entering his first full season as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback, he is learning what it takes to be a leader in the NFL.

Penix got some experience as a team leader on Tuesday when the Falcons held their first organized team activities.

The Falcons began Phase 3 of the offseason by getting out on the field and doing individual drills and a few noncontact team periods.

“I'm excited,” Penix said after two hours of voluntary outdoor practice. “We get to be out there against the defense and work real football. I can't wait for this season.”

Penix, who was drafted eighth overall by Atlanta in 2024, started the Falcons' final three regular-season games and completed 58 of 100 passes for 737 yards with three touchdown passes and three interceptions in those starts. Kirk Cousins led the Falcons to a 6-3 start last season but lost his job after struggling with interceptions.

Penix described his growth over his first full offseason knowing he is the starting quarterback.

“The one that I want to point (to) is just connecting with the guys,” Penix said. “I feel like I've done a lot better with connecting with everybody around the team. Not just offensive guys but defensive guys as well. Whether that's just around the facility eating lunch or going out and playing golf with some of them. Don't ask about my golf game.”

Second-year Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Penix is “finding his voice” as a leader.

“When you take over that quarterback spot, there's a certain humility about playing the position,” Morris said. ”Then it (comes) a certain confidence about playing the position. Eventually it turns into a little bit of an arrogance about playing the position where it's non-negotiable. We're not there yet. I don't think we will be for a little bit, but I think he's at the mode of where he's starting to get that confidence to be able to figure out how to get to that point."

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who also is in his second year with the Falcons after signing a three-year contract ahead of the 2024 season, said Penix has done a good job of undertaking a leadership role so far.

“I think he's been doing well owning that he's the guy and that he's (going to) be the guy,” Mooney said. “He's doing a good job showing up every day. He's more quiet and can play around a little bit but he's really just a chill guy."

Penix had a recent conversation with former quarterback Matt Ryan, a 2024 Falcons Ring of Honor inductee.

“I spoke to Matt Ryan and had a good conversation with him (about) learning how to be a pro each and every day and how his process went,” Penix said. “I feel like he definitely gave me some good things. Obviously he knows this is my second year coming into it (and) this is my first year starting. He talked to me about his times during that time and how he got to where he ended up.”

Morris said he did not see Cousins around the facility on Tuesday.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs drills during an NFL football training camp practice on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs drills during an NFL football training camp practice on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) stretches during an NFL football training camp practice on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) runs drills during an NFL football training camp practice on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and seven assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the short-handed Golden State Warriors for a 131-94 win Friday night.

Stephen Curry sat out because of a left ankle sprain and backcourt mate Jimmy Butler became ill earlier in the day. Draymond Green rested, while Jonathan Kuminga missed the game with back soreness.

That left Steve Kerr's starting lineup as Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, Gui Santos and Quinten Post.

Kerr was optimistic Curry would play Saturday against the Jazz.

Gilgeous-Alexander shot 10 for 20 with three 3-pointers and converted all seven of his free throws for his seventh game in the last nine with 30 or more points — and now three straight. He had 38 points on 13-for-21 shooting with five 3-pointers in the last matchup against the Warriors.

Chet Holmgren contributed 15 points and a season-best 15 rebounds — two off his career high — as Oklahoma City (30-5) won a fourth straight following its first two-game skid of the season.

Richard had 13 points and five rebounds, Al Horford and Moody also scored 13 while Pat Spencer dished out 11 assists against the defending champion Thunder, who had lost their previous two road games but also won 124-112 at Golden State exactly a month earlier on Dec. 2.

Richard's 3-pointer with 7:19 left in the second quarter got Golden State within 38-36 before Oklahoma City answered with a 19-0 run to go ahead 64-45 at halftime.

The Warriors had won two straight, five of six and three in a row at home, where they are in a stretch with 10 of 11 at Chase Center.

Thunder: Visit Phoenix on Sunday.

Warriors: Host Utah on Saturday night to complete a back-to-back.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) shoots a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) shoots while defended by Golden State Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)