Atlanta Falcons legend Matt Ryan is one of the most prodigious quarterbacks in NFL history, doomed by bad defenses his entire career.

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.

Despite another campaign marred by catastrophic blunders, there’s a radiant light shining at the end of the tunnel in Michael Penix Jr. The rookie quarterback stepped in the place of Kirk Cousins for the final three games of the season and performed better than anybody could have possibly imagined,