Michael Penix Jr. left the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility clutching two game balls from a rookie season marked by both promise and disappointment. As the newly appointed starter, Penix aims to turn around the franchise's seven-year playoff drought. Despite his commendable performance, including 312 passing yards and three touchdowns in a recent overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons ended the season with an 8-9 record.

Penix's debut included significant wins, yet the team faltered down the stretch, falling victim to two crucial overtime defeats. Veteran players like Grady Jarrett expressed the emotional toll of near misses on playoff aspirations. With Kirk Cousins’ future uncertain after being benched, the focus shifts to offseason decisions regarding the veteran quarterback's status, while the Falcons also evaluate potential defensive changes following a lackluster performance against Carolina.