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.

“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.”

Except for the Browns and the Cowboys, no NFL team surpassed the Falcons this season for getting less bang for its buck. Translated: The Falcons are clueless.

ATLANTA — So, the Michael Penix Jr. Era has begun with a blowout. For all the chatter we’ve heard from Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris about “the plan” for his quarterback position ...

The defeat, combined with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeating the New ... of optimism after this loss—largely because of Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons rookie quarterback threw for 312 yards ...

The Falcons have gone back-and-forth with the Panthers in the first half, but the club put together a strong two-minute drill to take a 24-17 lead into halftime.

The Atlanta Falcons went through another whirlwind season, as starting quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't even make it to the end of the year and the team fell jus

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.

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.

Todd Bowles' Buccaneers face Dan Quinn's Commanders in a playoff showdown following a regular-season rematch, featuring Mayfield, Daniels, and… The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as a new head coach, a fan favorite during eight seasons as a player in New England.

Trusting Atlanta's judgement The same front office that drafted Penix didn't trust the quarterback enough to give him the reins. Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins

Sam Darnold had a breakout season, Josh Jacobs ran wild in Green Bay, and Baker Mayfield tossed 41 touchdowns, as all three led their teams to the playoffs.