Atlanta kept pace with Tampa Bay as its playoff hopes remained alive, while the Giants (2-13) lost a franchise-record 10th straight game.

The Michael Penix Jr. era started ahead of schedule for the Atlanta Falcons. The 24-year-old rookie debuts against the hapless 2-12 New York Giants.

The Falcons found their future franchise quarterback in Michael Penix after his performance in the final three games of the regular season. It was clear he’s the guy but it won’t matter if the defense doesn’t elevate.

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,

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