Falcons

Falcons owner Arthur Blank reiterated that he believes that QB Michael Penix, Jr. is the team’s quarterback of the present and the future.

“I do think Michael is our franchise quarterback,” Blank said when asked about Penix’s role, via Falcons Wire. “The injury he sustained was on his other knee. The surgeon felt 1000 percent secure in the medial procedure they went through, and they really felt his knee was going to be better than it was before. He’s on a successful rehab program.”

Blank said he’s looking forward to getting Penix back, but didn’t give a solid answer on QB Kirk Cousins‘ future with the team.

“We look forward to having Michael back,” Blank said. “He’s had good surgery. We’ve spoken with the medical staff. It seems to have gone well. Kirk, we’ll see what’ll happen going forward. But there were decisions about winning now over the next two-to-three years, and then bringing in a young quarterback and then not putting the pressure on a rookie quarterback to not have to perform at that level. But giving him an opportunity to learn under an experienced, seasoned veteran guy.”

• New Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan: “Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he’s done it again today. While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I’ve always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity. I began my career with a singular goal: to do right by the Blank family, the Falcons organization, the City of Atlanta, and especially our fans. My commitment to the success of this franchise has not changed. I’m beyond ready to help write a new chapter of excellence.” (Rapoport)
• Blank on the hiring of Ryan: “Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt’s leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise’s history. I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role. From his playing days to his time as an analyst at CBS, Matt has always been a student of the game, and he brings an astute understanding of today’s NFL, as well as unique knowledge of our organization and this market. I have full confidence and trust in Matt as we strive to deliver a championship caliber team for Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere.” (Rapoport)
• Per Dianna Russini, the Falcons interviewed Lions’ Mike Disner, Bears’ Ian Cunningham, Panthers’ Brandt Tilis, and 49ers’ Josh Williams for their GM role, with both Disner and Williams earning praise.

Panthers

Panthers DB Nick Scott went from being a player on the bubble to make the roster when he re-signed to Carolina, to becoming one of the team’s leaders on defense and starting all 17 games.

Panthers

Panthers WR **[David...