NBA legend Paul Pierce drops surprising take on Michael Penix Jr. after Falcons-Commanders game: "You can't fool the eyes" 

Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons lost control of their playoff destiny after a heartbreaking 30-24 overtime defeat to the Washington Commanders in Week 17. They now have to beat the Carolina Panthers in Week 18 and hope that the New Orleans Saints pull off a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Falcons' immediate future may not be bright, but Paul Pierce is excited about their long-term future with rookie Penix under center. On Fox Sports' Speak, the analyst lauded Penix's performance against the Commanders and said that Atlanta has a future superstar in its hands. He said:

"I try not to be a prisoner of the moment but you can't fool the eyes, and the eye test is going to tell you everything. From what I see, I believe he is the second-best rookie quarterback. Some people you can tell when you see it right away."

Pierce compared watching Penix in action to seeing San Antonio Spurs star Chris Paul play for the first time.

"I just remember, I'll never forget when Chris Paul came into the league. I played one pickup game against him, just one game. I had never seen him in my life. I was like, this dude gonna be one of the best players. You just see it. And I see it in Penix."

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Michael Penix Jr. stats: Rookie QB's promising start

Following Kirk Cousins' horrendous performance in the Falcons' narrow 15-9 win over the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, coach Raheem Morris announced that the team will start Michael Penix Jr. in Week 16 against the New York Giants.

Making a change this late in the season was deemed risky. However, the rookie quarterback ensured that the team didn't regret its decision. He completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 202 yards with one touchdown. It wasn't the most prolific performance, but it was enough to help the Falcons to a 34-7 win.

Penix remained the starting quarterback in Week 17 against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. In the battle of the rookies, he had another impactful outing, completing 19 of 35 pass attempts for 223 yards with one touchdown and interception.

Penix showcased great poise late in the game, as he found a receiver twice on fourth down and helped Atlanta level the score.

He put them in a position to win the game with a walk-off field goal, but kicker Riley Patterson's 56-yard attempt fell short on the goalpost, sending the game to overtime, where Daniels and the Commanders scored a touchdown on the opening drive to end the game.

The Falcons are unsure about their playoff future, but they know that they will start the 2025 season with Penix as the starting quarterback.