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 rookie quarterback Mike Penix got off to a slow start, but then finished in fine fashion in the 44-38 overtime loss to the Panthers on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Atlanta Falcons did not qualify for the playoffs again this season. Despite the seven-year streak continuing, there are many things to feel good about this past season. One of those feel-good moments came from rookie quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., who played well during the season finale.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced his engagement to Olivia Carter days after his first career start. Penix Jr., 24, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the proposal set-up via Instagram on Sunday.

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 Kirk Cousins fiasco for the Atlanta Falcons led to a $180 million decision, and the winner was Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons. So far.

Penix, 24, announced his engagement to his girlfriend, now fiancée, Olivia Carter, over the weekend. In a joint post on Instagram, the couple shared proposal photos.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson intercepts the Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix pass intended for wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III.

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.

ATLANTA — So, the Michael Penix Jr. Era has begun with a blowout. For all the chatter we’ve heard from Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris about “the plan” for his quarterback position ...