NFL fans blast Michael Penix Jr. for horrible interception against Commanders on SNF: "Bottom 5 QB of all-time" 

On Sunday, Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons traveled to the nation's capital to take on the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in a must-win game. They are engaged in a tight race for the NFC South title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who demolished the Carolina Panthers 48-14.

The Buccaneers' blowout win saw them improve to 9-7, half a game clear atop the division standing. The Falcons, who were 8-7 coming into Week 17, needed a victory over the Commanders to control their destiny. However, their bid to beat Washington did not get off to the best start.

On the fifth play in the game's opening drive, Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. horribly misplaced his deep pass and threw it straight into the waiting arms of safety Quan Martin, who returned it 29 yards.

The Commanders capitalized on the short field and took a 7-0 lead.

Fans on social media weren't too impressed with Penix's poor throw and called him out for it:

Some claimed they never bought into the idea of the rookie being the Falcons' franchise cornerstone:

"Still not sure why fans were excited for him" - Claimed @TomBradyEgo.

"Penix come back to earth game" - Wrote @SportsocracyGN.

"Bro is absolute b**ty ch**ks" - Quipped @Honest_ESPN.

Michael Penix Jr. stats: QB's gritty outing not enough for Falcons

The terrible interception did not faze Penix. On the subsequent drive, he continued to throw the ball with confidence. He led the Falcons on an 11-play, 60-yard drive, which culminated in a Bijan Robinson touchdown run from a yard out, which leveled the scores.

The rookie quarterback also engineered a stellar drive late in the fourth quarter, completing two 4th-and-longs, to tie the game at 24-24.

Penix completed 19 of his 35 pass attempts for 223 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for the Falcons, who lost the game in overtime.

Despite the disappointing loss, Atlanta will feel they their rookie quarterback showcased enough for them to plan their future with him under center.