Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons entered Sunday’s home game against the Carolina Panthers on a mission.
That mission was to make it into the postseason, but Atlanta was not in control of its own destiny. In addition to needing a win over Carolina, the Falcons needed a little help from their friends. Well, more like frenemies on a day like this, if you will.
Atlanta needed the Saints to pull off an unthinkable upset against the playoff-bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And astoundingly, New Orleans almost did just that before things went off the rails in the second half. A few late slip-ups allowed Tampa to take control for a 27-19 win.
Penix was asked whether he or his teammates were aware of what was happening in the critical NFC South showdown. According to Penix, the players weren’t paying attention.
“No, we weren’t,” the rookie said in the postgame press conference. “You’re in the moment. I still don’t even know what happened.”
And, it’s clear that Penix isn’t blowing smoke. He asked the reporter following that statement what the outcome of the game was.
“You kept up with the game, but we (were just out there) balling,” Penix replied.
The Falcons would not have gotten into the postseason anyway due to the 44-38 overtime loss, but both games were much closer than many anticipated. The rookie QB finished his third start with 312 passing yards, two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown.
It will be interesting to see how Penix builds upon what he accomplished over these final three games of the season.