Falcons quarterback throws four picks in loss to Bucs

Michael Penix Jr. described his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday as the worst of his young career.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback threw four interceptions in a 16-0 defeat. He completed only eight of his 24 pass attempts for 125 yards. The Buccaneers rushed for a team-record 324 yards. Tampa Bay became the first NFL team since 1974 to win a game without completing a pass.

Penix grew up in Dade City, Florida, and attended high school in Tampa. The game took place in the rain. Linebacker Alex Anzalone intercepted two of Penix’s first six passes. Cornerbacks Jacob Parrish and Zyon McCollum recorded the other two interceptions. The final turnover ended a second-half drive in Buccaneers territory.

Most of Atlanta’s passing yardage came from one play. Receiver Jahan Dotson caught a pass and ran to the Tampa Bay 22-yard line in the fourth quarter. Drake London caught the next pass, but the drive stalled. Penix threw three incompletions from the 14-yard line, turning the ball over on downs.

Penix returned to the starting lineup after the Falcons started the season 0-2. His return has helped the team climb in the NFC South standings. Atlanta missed a chance to take first place in the division. The Falcons are now 3-5.

Penix said the conditions were the same for both teams. He noted that having family in the stands made the performance feel worse. He vowed to protect the ball and keep working. The third-year pro said he will shake off the loss.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said he had no concerns about Penix moving forward. Stefanski also declined to blame the weather. Atlanta plays the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid next Sunday.