This Sunday, the New York Giants will face a lousy storyline: the rookie quarterback they passed on making his first NFL start against them. Atlanta Falcons rookie Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s draft, has officially been named the starter after Kirk Cousins got benched for a brutal stretch of nine interceptions in five games.
The timing couldn’t be better—or worse, depending on how you look at it. Back in April, draft analysts thought the Giants might take a swing on a quarterback at No. 6, especially given their glaring need at the position. Instead, general manager Joe Schoen went with Malik Nabers, a flashy wide receiver out of LSU who’s been one of the lone bright spots in this otherwise disastrous season.
But the question remains: Did Schoen make the right call? Sunday’s matchup against Penix will offer the first real test of that decision, and it’s fair to wonder if karma is waiting to bite the Giants in the you-know-what for passing on what could’ve been their quarterback of the future.
Whether you were for or against drafting him, I think everyone has to admit it would be very funny if a guy Joe Schoen skipped over embarrassed him in his debut and lead to his firing.
— Ethan aka The People’s Insider #TheNarrative (@EthanGSN) December 18, 2024
Joe Schoen has to sit idly by as the Giants take on Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons
The Falcons drafted Penix eighth overall, just two picks after the Giants selected Nabers. With Cousins on a rapid decline and Atlanta’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris handed the keys to the rookie.
Penix hasn’t played much this year—just five pass attempts—but his college pedigree speaks for itself. At Washington, he led the nation in passing yards and had scouts drooling over his deep-ball accuracy.
For Schoen, Sunday’s game could feel like a spotlight on his decision to bypass Penix in favor of a wide receiver. Yes, Nabers has been as good as advertised, running perfect routes and racking up catches even with the carousel of quarterbacks throwing him the ball. But the Giants are 2-12, and their quarterback situation is as bleak as ever.
Right now, they’re cycling through Tim Boyle, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito like a bad joke. Imagine how different things might look if Penix were the one under center instead of preparing to face him.
Let’s be clear: Malik Nabers isn’t the problem. He’s been a revelation in an otherwise forgettable season. But the optics of Penix coming into MetLife, potentially putting on a show, and adding to the Giants’ misery would be absolutely brutal.
Schoen bet big that addressing the wide receiver position would help the team long-term, and while Nabers is delivering, the team still lacks any plan at quarterback. Meanwhile, Penix could stabilize the Falcons and keep their playoff hopes alive. The contrast between what could have been versus what it will be impossible to ignore.
For a franchise desperate for answers, Sunday will be an uncomfortable reminder of the stakes involved in draft-day decisions. If Penix impresses, Giants fans may look at this game as the moment Schoen's bags get packed.