terrible take. Geno can't read a defense to save his life. If he could he'd be elite. Penix is the polar opposite. Elite at pre snap reads and progression. His cons are health concerns, a slight frame and a weird wind up. He is in complete command in a very complex system. Show me another QB that can do that, and I'll show you a starting NFL QB. NIX and Williams to a lesser extent have these things going for them. This is a very accurate list of cons by NFL Draft buzz on Penix:
- Has a big strong arm, is able to effortlessly throw a deep out without any effort. The Sugar bowl proved he was more than capable of making any NFL pass with ease
- Exhibits elite field generalship; excels in dissecting defensive alignments pre-snap, ensuring high-percentage throws post-snap.
- Shows touch on deep balls and intermediate routes, demonstrating an ability to drop dimes in tight coverage.
- Shows continued progression in arm mechanics, adept at layering throws over linebackers and under safeties with precision.
- Routinely identifies mismatches and exploits secondary weaknesses with rapid progression reads.
- Instills confidence in his receiving corps, delivering throws that allow for yards-after-catch opportunities and highlight-reel grabs.
- Displays pocket mobility with subtle slide and step-up maneuvers, maintaining downfield focus under duress.
- Able to quickly bounce back from setbacks - has a short memory - just what you need in a signal caller
- Physical toolkit meshes well with pro-style offenses; has the build and athleticism to extend plays and absorb contact at the next level.
This doesn't seem entirely on-par with reality.
Firstly, there is nothing whatsoever to back up the assertion that Geno cannot read a defense. This much is clear on a cursory examination of Seahawks games.
Secondly, Penix's system doesn't seem massively complex. What components of UW's offense are so inordinately complex as to prove that Penix is a supreme processor?
Thirdly, I wouldn't say he's in elite at either pre-snap reads nor progression, and certainly have to stop short of claiming "complete command." He's got legitimate questions marks in every single regard there. They're not weaknesses, but "elite?" Come on. There is not one thing Michael Penix Jr. is "elite" at that Geno "sucks" at. There are things he is more naturally suited to than Geno, but there is not a single aspect of the game in which there is that large of a gulf between them. Other than knee ligament strength in the vice versa, of course. Speaking of...
Fourth, *four* season ending injuries in a college career, two of which were tearing the same ligament in the same knee?
Rashaad Penny got laughed out of town for less of an injury sheet, man.
Back on planet Earth, we can be reasonable about Penix. He's a hell of an arm talent and a hell of a gamer with some questions about his presence in the pocket, needs a fair amount of seasoning before he'll be ready to start, and is plagued with fairly extreme injury concerns.