The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of a rebuilding process, with Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach. The arrival of Tua Tagovailoa this offseason has created healthy competition with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting quarterback job, which still remains up for grabs heading into Week 1.
“Everything we do around this building is competing,” Stefanski said in his press conference. “I know it’s easy to say, ‘position battles,’ and those types of things, but we’re constantly competing. That’s not the focus for our guys. Our guys are pushing each other by showing up and putting in the work.”
The coach is also encouraged by Penix Jr.’s progress during the preseason. “[T]he new part for Mike is just being in there in with a full offensive line, a full defensive line, but he’s been in walkthrough huddles, he’s been in 7-on-7, he’s obviously gone through individuals. So, this is a good — now that Mike is cleared — it’s good that he can start that process of getting back to 11-on-11.”
More options in the Falcons’ QB room
During the Falcons’ latest 34-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium, Jack Strand was one of the biggest standouts. Despite his strong performance, Stefanski said his role will ultimately be determined between the backup and third-string positions depending on the circumstances.
Jack Strand #18 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the preseason.
“At this point, Jack’s going to work with the twos and threes, but very excited about his development,” Stefanski said. “But it goes back to the earlier point of like all of our young players, we have a plan to bring them along and develop them. And the player development is a huge part of what we do, whether you’re talking about quarterback position, the linebacker position, nose tackle, I don’t care. Player development is important to us and being intentional about how we bring players along is important to us.”
Another test for Atlanta
Like most NFL teams, the Atlanta Falcons have three games on their preseason schedule. They opened with a 27-7 home loss to the Denver Broncos before bouncing back on the road against the Indianapolis Colts.
Atlanta’s third and final preseason test will interestingly take Tua Tagovailoa back to South Florida. On Friday, August 28, Kevin Stefanski’s team will face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in the final preseason game for both teams.
A tough start to the season for the Falcons
Penix Jr. or Tagovailoa, whoever ends up being the starter for the Falcons this season, knows it won’t be easy. High-risk road trips and key divisional matchups await this team during the opening stretch of the campaign.
- at Pittsburgh Steelers, September 13 – Week 1
- vs Carolina Panthers, September 20 – Week 2
- at Green Bay Packers, September 24 – Week 3
- at New Orleans Saints, October 5 – Week 4
- vs Baltimore Ravens, October 11 – Week 5
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