Michael Penix Jr. pressured on career-high 46% of dropbacks Sunday

He faced a 51% blitz rate, his second-highest career mark.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h1 min read

Michael Penix Jr. was pressured on a career-high 46% of his dropbacks Sunday, and was blitzed at the 2nd-highest rate of Via @marcraimondi on X

What happened: Michael Penix Jr. absorbed pressure on nearly half of his passing dropbacks on Sunday while opposing pass rushers blitzed him on more than half of his snaps, per Marc Raimondi and ESPN Research. Despite the constant backfield disruption in the 31-23 loss, he threw at least three touchdown passes and completed a two-point conversion pass.

Why it matters: The heavy blitz volume tested Michael Penix Jr. less than a week after an October 12 rib scare and days after he took all first-team practice reps on October 14. He still converted multiple third-down throws against extra rushers, building on a season in which he posted an 84.9 QBR in Week 3.

By the numbers: 46% — 9 — Week 3 QBR, fourth in the NFL; 3+ — passing touchdowns with a two-point conversion pass on Sunday, the first such performance since 2019.

What to watch: Pass-protection adjustments and quick-game answers against heavy blitz looks will be the primary focus entering Week 7 preparation.

Sources

@marcraimondi 2026-10-18T20:30:48.242348+00:00

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