DeBoer and Sheridan, who both coached Penix at Indiana and Washington, attended Sunday’s 44-38 overtime loss to with their families and friends on Sunday. Penix expressed his gratitude for the way that both played a role in his development, showing a lot of emotion in the postgame press conference.

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.

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.

Michael Penix Jr.’s former head coach and offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer was in attendance for Sunday’s finale

“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.”

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.

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix may not be an elite runner, but he still has the ability to escape the pocket when the play breaks down. With Atlanta near the goal line, Penix was flushed from the pocket before scrambling for the game-tying touchdown in the

Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced his engagement to girlfriend Olivia Carter on Saturday, just days after making his first NFL start on Dec. 22.

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Because Week 17 began on a Wednesday, NFL.com's Nick Shook didn't rank every starting quarterback as he usually does last Thursday. But after waiting another week, Atlanta Falcons fans can see where Shook ranked quarterback Michael Penix Jr. following his first two NFL starts.