MichaelPenix Jr.

News: 1 day agoPenix completed 21 of 38 passes for 312 yards with two touchdowns and one interception and rushed once for a five-yard touchdown in the Falcons' 44-38 overtime loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Spin: The rookie signal-caller did his best to try to get the win the Falcons needed to remain in play for a playoff spot, a matter that was rendered moot when the Buccaneers were able to squeak past the Saints in a game being played concurrently. It was still an encouraging showing for Penix, however, who eclipsed the 300-yard mark and threw multiple touchdown passes for the first time as a pro. Penix connected with Drake London from 20 and 21 yards out for his pair of scoring tosses, but he never had a chance to possess the ball in overtime since the Panthers drove down for a game-winning touchdown. Penix got some invaluable experience over the final three games of the regular season and is indisputably entrenched as the Falcons' quarterback heading into the offseason.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Much to the shock of most of the football world, Penix was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 8 pick in the draft out of Washington. Falcons coach Raheem Morris simply fell in love with Penix and took his guy, despite the Falcons having signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in March. The plan is still for the Falcons to start Cousins at quarterback, meaning Penix will serve as a backup for the next couple of seasons as long as Cousins can stay on the field. Penix is on the "old" side for a rookie, has two right ACL surgeries on his resume, adds little with his legs and won't play any time soon. He should be drafted in dynasty formats only.