It's uncommon for a rookie quarterback to make his first start in late December on a team still vying for a playoff spot, when the incumbent starter has not been injured. But that's exactly what happened with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The Michael Penix Jr. era has arrived in Atlanta. The Falcons rookie quarterback made his first start on Sunday, leading Atlanta to a dominant 34-7 win

But Falcons head coach Raheem Morris felt his 24-year-old signal caller delivered an "almost flawless" performance, avoiding fatal mistakes and operating a high level to help Atlanta get its largest win in over four years.