Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan is one of the most prodigious quarterbacks in NFL history, doomed by bad defenses his entire career.

Michael Penix Jr. has largely made the most of his three NFL starts, with several now questioning why the Falcons didn’t bench Kirk Cousins earlier in the season. But hindsight is 20/20, and it’s clear things are on the right track at the quarterback position.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

The Falcons lost in overtime again on Sunday despite the offense putting up over 500 yards of offense and 38 points in regulation. The defense, however, was putrid, which was somewhat surprising given the improvement the unit had shown since the team’s bye week.

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.

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