The Atlanta Falcons exchanged Christmas presents in their locker room Monday and Tuesday, but starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will have to wait for their preferred gift.
And it won’t be under the tree when he wakes up on Wednesday morning.
Penix, asked during his press conference on Tuesday, was blunt and businesslike in his response.
“We’re looking for a Falcons win,” Penix said.
When asked about the specifics of what he expects from Santa Claus, Penix again kept his answer to the team.
“What will Santa bring with him? We’re looking for a Falcons win, Penix said.
The 24-year-old Penix is preparing for his second NFL start, which will come at 8:20 p.m. Sunday against the Washington Commanders (10-5) inside Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
In his first start this past Sunday, Penix went 18-for-27 passing for 202 yards, no touchdowns and one interception off the hands of the tight end Kyle Pitts in a 34-7 home win over the New York Giants.
“I’m a professional — I feel like I carry myself like a professional all the time in everything I do,” Penix said. “So you always have to keep the most important thing, the main thing. Christmas is great, it’s the birth of Jesus Christ. I’m strong in my faith, but at the same time we have to work. We have work to do, and we have games we’re trying to win, so you balances it.
“I’ll make sure to do the presents and stuff, but as soon as I get a little break I’ll go study so I’m ready for the game. I’ll be able to do both. There’s a lot of time in the day.”
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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris moved Atlanta’s regular Wednesday schedule to Tuesday, which meant going over the game plan for Sunday’s game against the Commanders.
As a result, the Falcons will be off Christmas Day. Morris noted that his team is a family, but it’s “always good” for players to spend time at home with their partners, children and relatives during the holiday season.
“It’s always nice for guys to get away and get a chance to enjoy their families, be with their kids, see everybody enjoy those moments,” Morris said. “And then you can take it back to work and share those stories with all your buddies. The guys love it, we love it, and we actually love bringing it into the building.”
But ultimately, the most important thing Penix wants to take to team headquarters in Flowery Branch is a prime-time victory over the Commanders.
