ATLANTA — Michael Penix Jr’ s confidence couldn’t be shaken, even after the Atlanta Falcons season-ending loss to the Carolina Panthers.

When the rookie quarterback was asked what his message would be to long-suffering Falcons fans, Penix replied: “Continue to believe.”

“I feel like we got a lot of talent on this team, a lot of talent coming back, and we’re just going to continue to build off of this year,” Penix said. “So, I look forward to a lot of playoffs and even Super Bowls in the future here for this organization.”

The Falcons fell 44-38 to the Panthers on Sunday in overtime. The result of the game ended up being meaningless, since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched the NFC South title with a victory over the New Orleans Saints.

However, the Falcons finished 8-9, meaning they have not had a winning season since 2017. They have not made the playoffs since that season, either. The franchise has never won a Super Bowl.

Penix, 24, gives the fanbase a reason for hope, and not just because of his words. On Sunday, Penix went 21-of-38 for 312 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown and an interception that was not his fault. Last week, he had a game-tying touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Pitts on a fourth-and-13 with 1:17 to play in an eventual loss against the Washington Commanders.

“Michael Penix is certainly outstanding,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “He’s certainly one of the guys that’s going to play in this league and absolutely dominate for as long as we allow him.”

When the Falcons chose Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL draft last April, it was controversial. Atlanta had just signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract with $90 million guaranteed a few weeks earlier. As it turned out, the selection worked for the Falcons, even if the Cousins signing did not.

Cousins played well, leading the Falcons to a 6-3 start, before faltering and throwing eight interceptions without a touchdown pass during a four-game losing streak. Penix was named the team’s starter in Week 16 and, for the most part, played well.

The team’s defense was largely to blame for the Panthers and Commanders losses, though it took time for Penix to build chemistry with the starting receivers. Some of that seemed to jell Sunday. Falcons wide receiver Drake London had 10 receptions for a career-high 187 yards and two touchdowns.

“Absolute poise,” London said of Penix. “He’s got a frickin’ rocket and he just slings the ball and he’s got that dog in him. He’s somebody who’s a winner and I think you see that just right off the gate.”

Atlanta also returns running back Bijan Robinson, who emerged as one of the best in the league this season. He had a career-high 170 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries against Carolina.

Penix said this offseason will contain “a lot of work,” though he’s been told by veterans that he should take time for himself, too.

“Obviously, this season, like we just talked about, it didn’t go how we wanted it to go, it didn’t get to the playoffs,” Penix said. “But man, you’ve just got to continue to believe in the process, believe in the coaches, the scheme that gets put up each and every week and going into this offseason with the right mindset, the mindset to want to come back and get better. And for me, this is my first offseason. So, [there] is a lot of things that I’ll be learning this offseason, just making sure that whenever we do come back, I’m completely ready and I’ll make sure I do a great job of that.”

Midwest winter storm approaches metro Atlanta

ATLANTA – As a massive winter storm continues to batter the Midwest, metro Atlanta is bracing for its own bout of severe weather.

The storm, which has already brought blizzard conditions to Kansas and northwestern Missouri, is moving eastward.

While the heaviest snowfall is expected to impact areas further north, our entire region is preparing for a significant drop in temperatures and blustery conditions, according to FOX 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Julie Martin.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings stretching to the East Coast, affecting approximately 63 million Americans. In metro Atlanta, residents are experiencing chilly and wet weather, with winds expected to gust up to 35 mph.

Metro Atlanta temperatures drop

As on Sunday evening, weather models showed that temperatures in Atlanta would start in the 50s on Monday morning, but would plummet as a cold front moves through the area. By the afternoon, temperatures are expected to drop into the 30s, with wind chills making it feel like the 20s in some parts of North Georgia.

Will it snow in Atlanta?

While significant snowfall is not anticipated in metro Atlanta, there is a possibility of light flurries in North Georgia.

The cold weather is expected to persist throughout the week, with lows in the 20s. Looking ahead to next weekend, there is a 40% chance of a wintry mix on Friday into Saturday, depending on the development of a low-pressure system.

Metro Atlanta snow, flurry travel tips

Travelers should be aware of potential disruptions, especially those heading to areas like Washington, D.C., which is under a snow emergency. With former President Carter’s events scheduled in the capital from Tuesday through Thursday, attendees are advised to check travel conditions in advance.

Keep up with the latest by downloading the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5StormTeam on Twitter

Frontline Response opens new warming center in Decatur

Frontline Response says a new warming center is now available for women and children. It’s located at Peace Baptist Church at 4000 Covington Highway in Decatur.

Intake begins at 5 p.m. on Monday.

In addition, Frontline Response says their shelter located at 2585 Gresham Road will now serve as a warming center for men beginning at 8 p.m. Monday. Single fathers are also welcome.

Warming centers open around metro Atlanta

DeKalb County will have four 24-hour warming centers open beginning at 8 p.m. on Jan. 6:

• Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta
• Toby Grant, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale
• Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive
• Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive

An overnight-only experience is open to those seeking warmth and shelter at North DeKalb Senior/Community Center. Special transportation will be provided each morning.

You can find a list of transportation pickups to Frontline on the DeKalb County government’s website.

The following warming centers are open in Gwinnett County from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Jan. 6 and Jan. 7:

• Buford Senior Center, 2755 Sawnee Avenue, Buford
• Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth
• Best Friend Park Gym, 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross
• Centerville Senior Center, Bethany Church Road, Snellville
• Lawrenceville Senior Center, 225 Benson Street, Lawrenceville

You can find more details about bus transit here.

Gilmer County is opening its Gilmer County Civic Center on South Main Street in Ellijay as a warming center from Jan. 6 through Jan. 12. Doors will open at 5 p.m. each day and close the next morning at 7 a.m. Dinner and breakfast will be offered. Pets are welcome and will be fed and kenneled on arrival.

ATLANTA — The Panthers will be without one of their top offensive linemen, in addition to the players who were already ruled out with injuries.

Right guard Robert Hunt leads the inactive list for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Falcons.

Hunt was listed as questionable on the injury report with a knee issue and didn’t practice on Wednesday or Friday. He’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Chandler Zavala.