FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Michael Penix Jr. and Bryce Young could very well be the future of the NFC South, or at least many I-85 rivalry games to come between the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers.

Both quarterbacks are on their rookie contracts. Young was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, while Penix went No. 8 in 2024. Young is 24 years old. Penix is 25.

There is a lot of potential in these two players. Whether that potential turns into longevity, only time will tell. They have faced off once before — a memorable shootout in Week 18 last year — and are scheduled to meet again Sunday for a Week 3 contest at Bank of America Stadium.

"Bryce is over there for a reason," Falcons safety Jessie Bates III said. "He struggled a little bit last year — I think my guy, Andy Dalton,

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