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.”

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A suspect who was wanted for an aggravated assault incident was arrested during a smash-and-grab burglary, we learned from authorities on Monday.

Richmond County deputies say they were dispatched to a verified burglary alarm at Barney’s Pharmacy on Furys Ferry Road on Sunday at 4:04 a.m.

Upon arrival, deputies say they observed a suspect actively shoving medication into a duffle bag.

As additional deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect attempted to flee, carrying two duffle bags, deputies said.

He exited through a broken window, which appeared to be his point of entry, according to police.

Despite repeated verbal commands, the suspect refused to comply and continued his attempt to escape running from deputies, authorities say.

One deputy deployed his taser when the suspect began to resist while shouting, “It wasn’t me.” Due to continued non-compliance, another deputy was forced to deploy his taser. The suspect was then subdued and taken into custody without further incident, according to authorities.

Central EMS responded to the scene and treated the suspect for minor hand injuries, deputies say. Following medical evaluation at Wellstar MCG, the suspect was transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

Although the suspect provided deputies with several false names, fingerprint identification at the detention center revealed his true identity as Walter Anthony Tarver. He has been charged with:

• Smash-and-grab burglary
• Obstruction of a law enforcement officer
• Giving false name and/or date of birth to a law enforcement officer

Further investigation revealed that Tarver also had active warrants for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Back in December, we reported Tarver was wanted for wanted about an aggravated assault that happened on the 200 block of Warren Road.

Sheriff-elect Eugene Brantley and Chief Blanchard stopped by muster Sunday at 5:45 p.m. to thank the deputies for a job well done and present them with some law enforcement backpacks.

Sheriff Brantley praised the deputies’ swift actions in apprehending the suspect, stating, “Their quick response and professionalism ensured that this dangerous individual was taken off the streets before further harm could be done to our community.”

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Ahead of the snow, several major school districts around the region announced closures in advance.

Here’s a full list of closures, including private schools, government offices and more.

Washington, DC:

D.C. Public Schools will be closed today, Mayor Bowser announced during a news conference yesterday.

Virginia:

Alexandria City Public Schools are closed today, with no virtual learning. All in-person afternoon and evening activities on school grounds are also canceled. 

Arlington County Schools are closed today.

Fairfax County Public Schools are closed, and there will be no extracurricular activities, team practices or other courses or activities. School Age Child Care (SACC) centers are closed, and homebound and home-based instruction is canceled. Essential personnel should follow their supervisors’ instructions.

Culpeper County Public Schools are closed today for students and staff. Classes will also be canceled tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 7) for students, but it will be a workday for staff.

Maryland:

Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today, with no virtual learning. Activities, field trips, athletic practices and other programs are also canceled, as are childcare programs and community use activities. Emergency personnel should report on time.

Prince George’s County Public Schools also are closed