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.

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

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

The rookie quarterback still has some growing to do but he’s pulled off some impressive highlights in his first few starts, including this TD.

In Sunday's home game against the Carolina Panthers, Penix dropped back on a 1st-and-10 at Atlanta's 27-yard line and fired a pass to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III early in the third quarter. McCloud bobbled the ball, which Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson intercepted. The pass was a little low, but it was still catchable.

ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 05: Carolina running back Miles Sanders (6) attempts to stiff-arm Atlanta linebacker Lorenzo Carter (0) during the NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons on January 5th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atl

Bryce Young passed for three touchdowns, ran for two scores and led a 70-yard drive capped by Miles Sanders' 1-yard TD run on the opening possession of overtime to give the Carolina Panthers a 44-38 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will make his third start as the Atlanta Falcons try to protect their playoff hopes against the Carolina Panthers

Pregame analysis and predictions of the Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons NFL game to be played on January 5, 2025 on ESPN.