Michael Penix Jr. makes Falcons history in blowout win over Packers

This was only the quarterback's 13th career start, and his big night helped him eclipse 3,000 yards in his career. That makes him the fastest quarterback in franchise history to reach that mark, per McElhaney.

Thursday night was a massive game for Penix and the Falcons. He was facing criticism after not playing the first two weeks. He made it clear he would only return once he deemed himself medically ready. That left fans watching Cooper Rush struggle to do much of anything under center.

Yet Penix seems to have made the right move as he looked worthy of his first-round draft slot against the Packers. He and Bijan Robinson complemented each other all night, and the running back's success helped open up the field for the quarterback.

The history he made means he reached 3,000 yards faster than past greats such as Matt Ryan and Michael Vick. Penix and the Falcons now get some extra rest before a Monday night showdown against the New Orleans Saints in which the southpaw can continue to prove he is a real franchise quarterback in Atlanta.