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

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

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

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.

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.

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The Atlanta Falcons couldn’t get the win over the Carolina Panthers to close out the season, but they were eliminated from the playoff race before their 44-38 overtime loss ended. While the team’s offensive performance was encouraging,