Falcons are in good hands at QB, but making the playoffs may have to wait

Michael Penix Jr. wears a #9 Atlanta Falcons jersey and protective helmet during a game.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Two games into the Michael Penix Jr. era, it’s clear the Atlanta Falcons are in good hands at quarterback.

Trouble is, there might not be enough time to salvage a trip to the playoffs.

A gut-wrenching loss to the Washington Commanders, who rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit to pull out a 30-24 overtime victory Sunday night, dealt a huge blow to Atlanta’s postseason hopes.