Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and now Analyst for the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network Dave Archer tells The Morning Shift why he thinks Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took the next step as an NFL quarterback yesterday.

Panthers QB Bryce Young denied the Falcons the division title, then shared his reaction to out-performing Michael Penix Jr.

Early in the drive, Penix rifled a pass between multiple Panthers defenders to wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, who made an acrobatic catch on the sideline while keeping his feet inbounds. Watch Hodge’s catch below, as shared by the team’s social media account.

Penix found London in the back corner of the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown strike to put the Atlanta Falcons ahead, 24-17, on the Carolina Panthers with 37 seconds left in the

Back-to-back overtime losses to Washington and Carolina left rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons with a losing record and out of the playoffs.

The Falcons have retaken the lead at halftime against the Carolina Panthers. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. connected on a jump ball to Drake London for a 20-yard touchdown to give Atlanta a 24-17 lead over Carolina.

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.

Needing a victory to potentially make the postseason, the Falcons have gotten themselves back in Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has rushed for a 5-yard touchdown to tie the score at 10-10 midway through the second quarter.

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.

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

Check out our Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons how to watch guide to learn when they play and what free live streams are available ahead of kickoff.

Miles Sanders rushed for the game-winning 1-yard touchdown in overtime and the visiting Carolina Panthers beat the Falcons 44-38 in the season finale on Sunday, eliminating Atlanta from playoff contention.