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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — 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. Penix passed for two touchdowns and ran for a score in his impressive end to this three-game debut as Atlanta's starter. Penix, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London are the team's past three first-round NFL draft picks and are reasons for optimism on offense. The defense, however, could be facing offseason changes after what first-year coach Raheem Morris said was an "awful" performance in giving up 44 points to Carolina.
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Atlanta. - AP Photo/Mike Stewart
