The Falcons would not have gotten into the postseason anyway due to the 44-38 overtime loss, but both games were much closer than many anticipated. The rookie QB finished his third start with 312 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown.

Back-to-back overtime losses to Washington and Carolina left rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons with a losing record and out of the playoffs.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr. will make his third start for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It probably will be the final start of his rookie season, but that’s enough for head coach Raheem Morris to feel validated for selecting Penix eighth in last year’s draft.

Much of the talk around Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is how impressive his arm has looked. On Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, in a game Atlanta needed to win to stay in playoff contention,

“The light at the end of the tunnel for us, despite how bad and poor we played on defense or anywhere is the quarterback,” Morris said. “Michael Penix is certainly outstanding. He certainly one of the guys that's going to play in this league and absolutely dominate for us as long as we allow him.”

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had perhaps his most impressive drive through two starts late in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's 30-24

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. popped the question to Olivia Carter after reportedly spending several years together

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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris gave massive props to Michael Penix Jr. after season-ending loss to the Carolina Panthers.

The Atlanta Falcons have thrown out the initial development plan they had for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. amidst his elevation to the starting role.

Falcons rookie quarterback Mike Penix got off to a slow start, but then finished in fine fashion in the 44-38 overtime loss to the Panthers on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.