
The Atlanta Falcons were on the wrong side of a 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The defeat, combined with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeating the New Orleans Saints, ended the Falcons' playoff hopes. Even with the Falcons missing out on the postseason for the seventh straight year, though, there was a feeling of optimism after this loss—largely because of Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons rookie quarterback threw for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the competitive back and forth loss to the Panthers on Sunday. Penix was slotted in as the Falcons' starting quarterback with just three games remaining in the season in favor of a struggling Kirk Cousins, putting him in the tough position of trying to lead the Falcons to the postseason. Penix kept the Falcons in the race until the final game, but they ultimately fell short.