The Atlanta Falcons have seen promising flashes from first-round rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s first two starts.

WATCH: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. throws first career TD to Kyle Pitts on 4th and goal to tie the game against the Commanders

When Atlanta drafted Michael Penix Jr. just weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a massive franchise-cornerstone deal, the disbelief and derision rained down from all corners of the NFL world — fans, media,

Even in their loss to the Commanders, the Falcons look to have made the right call between Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced his engagement to Olivia Carter days after his first career start. Penix Jr., 24, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the proposal set-up via Instagram on Sunday.

Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. announced his engagement to girlfriend Olivia Carter on Saturday, just days after making his first NFL start on Dec. 22.

PM ET game airing live on NBC, bookmakers have posted player prop bets for Michael Penix Jr.. Penix’s Atlanta Falcons (8-7) and the Washington Commanders (10-5)

Penix finished 18-for-27 for 202 yards, no touchdowns and a deflected interception. Two pick sixes by the defense helped a lot.

Penix, 24, announced his engagement to his girlfriend, now fiancée, Olivia Carter, over the weekend. In a joint post on Instagram, the couple shared proposal photos.

The Falcons surprisingly selected Penix with the eighth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The pick wasn't a surprise because of Penix's résumé so much as the team's $180 million signing of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins earlier in the offseason. After a rough 14 games to begin his Falcons career, Atlanta benched Cousins for Penix.