But after waiting another week, Atlanta Falcons fans can see where Shook ranked quarterback Michael Penix Jr. following his first two NFL starts. On the NFL.com's Week 18 QB Index, Penix came in at No.

Finally, head coach Raheem Morris benched Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16. The Falcons offense took a major leap with Penix under center, but they still finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season.

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,