The Falcons fell in overtime for the second straight week in the exact same fashion. They lost the coin toss, and Michael Penix Jr. never saw the ball, as the defense let the Panthers waltz right down the field. Against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, it was understandable, but the way the Falcons defense performed in a must-win situation at home against a Panthers offense that’s mostly underwhelmed the entire season is incredibly disheartening.
Bryce Young accounted for five touchdowns, three through the air and two on the ground. It was the best game of his young career as his remarkable turnaround in Year 2 continued. However, the Falcons weren’t giving him much resistance. They pretty much let the Panthers do whatever they desired, whenever they desired. Carolina’s third and fourth-string running backs were gashing them on the ground, and receivers were running open all day. While the pass rush, which had shown signs of life since the bye week, went completely dormant against a very vulnerable Panthers offensive line.
Frankly, it seemed like Atlanta’s defense didn’t even get off the bus. They tackled poorly, missed assignments, and created zero turnovers. An unacceptable effort for a team fighting for its playoff life in the final week of the season, which lies squarely at the feet of defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and head coach Raheem Morris.
On the flip side, Michael Penix Jr. dazzled all afternoon. He got off to a bit of a slow start, but by the end of the second quarter, he had over 200 yards passing with two touchdowns — one through the air and one on the ground.
Penix’s final drive of the second half began with 40 seconds on the clock at the Falcons 10-yard line with just two timeouts in his pocket, and he led the offense down the field for the go-ahead touchdown, capped off by a spectacular throw-and-catch to Drake London in the corner of the end zone, who would finish the game with 187 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
The Panthers would regain the lead in the second half, but for the second week in a row, Michael Penix didn’t flinch, leading not one but two game-tying touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, giving the Falcons an opportunity to win in overtime.
The entire game had a very Matt Ryan feel to it. Michael Penix did just about everything perfectly, especially for a rookie quarterback making his third start. He threw for over 300 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. The Falcons offense as a whole racked up nearly 550 yards. Yet somehow, they lost to a 4-11 team that was just 1-15 in its previous 16 road contests.
That’s what should both excite and worry Falcons fans about the future. Michael Penix Jr. offers a glimmer of hope as the team’s next franchise quarterback. He’s performed about as well as possible through three games, given the situation. In spite of that, the Falcons continue to lose games they shouldn’t, thanks to a porous defense and questionable coaching.
Sound familiar?
The Falcons appear to be heading down a very familiar path. Having the right quarterback is only part of the equation. The right coach and GM must also be in place to reach the top of the mountain, and right now, neither Raheem Morris nor Terry Fontenot look like the right man for their respective jobs.
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Photo: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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