The Falcoholic

Tight end was the primary target for Tua Tagovailoa in the preseason opener, receiving all three of Tagovailoa's completions for 22 yards across two drives. Limited sample size given the Falcons' offensive struggles and Tagovailoa's minimal playing time.

Backup quarterback given the most extensive opportunity among all Atlanta signal callers looked downright terrible, generating a pathetic 6.8 passer rating on 19 pass attempts for a meager 62 yards. His second throw of the game was intercepted, and he later threw a telegraphed 97-yard pick six when the Falcons got on the doorstep of the end zone. Rush was fortunate not to throw a third interception, as Jahdae Barron dropped one later in the game. The source notes Rush is leaving the door open for Jack Strand to take the QB3 spot.

Starting quarterback's offense was given two drives, featured one first down and three completions (all to Kyle Pitts) for 22 yards, with the unit looking out of sync. The second snap of the game was a botched snap that served as a harbinger of things to come. While the circumstances—missing Bijan Robinson and Drake London, and struggling offensive line play—mitigated the performance, Tagovailoa did not create any separation from still-shelved Michael Penix and did not produce a turnover-filled disaster but also did not inspire confidence.

Former Georgia High School player of the year from North Gwinnett won the third running back depth chart competition battle in preseason Week 1 against incumbent Nathan Carter and new addition Trey Sermon. Goodson was the best runner of the night for the Falcons, averaging 4.0 yards per attempt—a full yard more than the next best Falcon—and was the only player out of eight to take at least one carry to generate a yards per attempt mark higher than 3.0. Had the game-long rush of 8 yards for Atlanta. In a critical third-quarter sequence at Denver's 5-yard line, Carter was stuffed for a 1-yard loss while Goodson kept his legs churning to convert a seemingly minimal gain into an impressive 5-yard run to the 1-yard line, setting up Strand's sneak touchdown. The former Indianapolis Colt looked spry and demonstrated superior vision and effort compared to Carter (6 carries, 8 yards).

Undrafted rookie quarterback showed the best performance of any Falcons signal caller in preseason Week 1 despite modest raw stats (6/12, 50 yards). Exhibited NFL-level arm talent with multiple impressive incompletions—a perfectly placed deep shot to Vinny Anthony against double coverage that would have been a 38-yard touchdown, and a laser beam to Kristian Wilkerson that nearly went for 56 yards before Sean Fresch deflected it. Successfully converted short-yardage QB sneaks with his big body, including a 1-yard sneak for Atlanta's only touchdown. The source notes that if those two incompletions had been completed, it would have been an elite preseason debut. Strand is competing to become a rare undrafted rookie to make the 53-man roster.

Rush started things off even more poorly than Tagovailoa; his first pass was shaky and missed badly, his second was a duck intercepted by Riley Moss, and he later threw an ill-advised ball that was tipped into the air, intercepted, and returned 98 yards for a touchdown. That's not going to help his case for QB3.

Tagovailoa looked a bit skittish under pressure before the pressure started coming in so quickly he had absolutely no shot; he heavily targeted Kyle Pitts, who will likely be his absolute favorite receiving option over the middle early in 2026. Tua was not satisfied with the performance.

Blair had maybe the single most impressive offensive play of the night with a leaping grab where he took a big hit and barely saw the ball jostled; he has been reliable every summer and should be ticketed for a practice squad spot at worst.

Anthony has been a reliable target at training camp and caught attention with his returns in the preseason game, looking fast and confident with a couple of really nice kick returns; his receiving ability is evident despite being missed multiple times by Rush and Strand.

Pitts looks lean, sure-handed, and ready to go; he was heavily targeted by Tua early on and made something of his targets when the rest of the offense was silent, suggesting he will be Tua's absolute favorite receiving option over the middle early in 2026 and will rack up targets.

Goodson showed quality hands when called upon, strong burst and balance as a runner, and a long rumble where he stiff-armed, absorbed contact, and stayed on his feet; his versatility—blocking, catching, and special teams play—positions him well to take the lead in the RB3 battle.

Strand led a touchdown drive featuring short passes to Josh Simon and a sneak for a score, appearing far more competent than a UDFA quarterback has any right to be; his performance helped him in the QB competition against Cooper Rush, who looked ghastly.

Falcons running back was targeted early by Jack Strand but received pass that was a little behind him; later recorded one to two yards on first down carry. Limited offensive impact in preseason action.

Falcons running back/receiver recorded pass reception for approximately five yards and a carry for a couple yards. Limited offensive touches in preseason action.

Falcons receiver caught pass for three yards on second down, then was found by Jack Strand over the middle for a first down on a subsequent drive. Demonstrated reliable target availability for the rookie QB.

Falcons receiver was primary target for Jack Strand in late-game action; caught pass for seven yards on one drive, had sideline shot that was fairly on-target but broken up by Denver defense, and was targeted again on 4th and 10 but was knocked down as pass fell incomplete. Showed consistent target volume but faced defensive pressure.

Running back recorded significant rushing gain, bulling his way to the one-yard line and directly setting up Jack Strand's touchdown sneak. Demonstrated power running and contributed to scoring drive.

Rookie QB saw significant preseason action with multiple pass attempts and decision-making opportunities; threw near-interception over the middle intended for Vinny Anthony, attempted deep ball to Anthony that missed, found Nick Muse over the middle for first down, completed pass to Kristian Wilkerson for seven yards, and executed multiple sneaks for first downs including a touchdown sneak from the one-yard line. Demonstrated ability to operate the offense and make throws under pressure despite some accuracy issues.

Bryant caught a 13-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham in preseason Week 1, showing involvement in Denver's passing game.

Wells drew a false start penalty in preseason Week 1 that backed the Falcons up, showing a negative play in the offensive line.

Coleman had an impressive preseason performance, picking up a couple of yards, putting a crazy spin move on the Falcons for a first down, and picking up another first down after a holding call was declined; he showed explosiveness and elusiveness.

Badie had multiple carries for Denver in preseason Week 1, picking up a couple of yards on several occasions, showing involvement in the Broncos' ground game.

Ehlinger appeared in the third quarter for Denver, completing quick passes for first downs and showing competence in the backup quarterback role, though he also had a deep shot knocked out by Cobee Bryant.

Butler was targeted on a long ball by Stidham in preseason Week 1 against Clark Phillips, but the pass fell incomplete with lots of contact; he showed involvement in the Falcons' passing game.

Branch had multiple touches in preseason Week 1, picking up about five yards on a handoff, a couple of yards on a quick pass, and a first down on another quick pass, showing involvement in the Falcons' offense.

Drummond was targeted by Cooper Rush in preseason Week 1, catching a 13-yard pass for a first down and later being targeted on a third-down play that fell incomplete.

Anthony had nice returns in preseason Week 1, including a 30-yard return and another solid return, showing value in special teams; he was also targeted by Jack Strand for a six-yard reception and a deep pass attempt.

Blair made a nice leaping grab for 16 yards despite contact in preseason Week 1, showing solid receiving ability for the Falcons.

Robinson had limited carries in preseason Week 1, picking up one yard on a handoff and five yards on another carry, showing minimal involvement in the Falcons' ground game.

Zaccheaus took the kickoff back to the 31-yard line in preseason Week 1, showing involvement in special teams.

Franklin had a big first down reception for Denver in preseason Week 1, showing involvement in the Broncos' passing game.

Prentice barreled forward for a first down and then plunged in for a touchdown in the first quarter, showing effectiveness in short-yardage situations for Denver.

Harvey had multiple carries for Denver in preseason Week 1, picking up four yards early and later bulling his way for six yards and a couple of yards for a first down, showing solid ground game involvement.

McLaughlin had a strong preseason performance, spinning away from two tacklers for 12 yards, catching a pass over the middle and rumbling into the end zone for a touchdown, and later catching another pass; he showed versatility and explosiveness in Denver's dominant offensive performance.

Engram was targeted by Stidham in preseason Week 1, catching a pass in between four Falcons defenders with pressure closing in, showing continued involvement in Denver's passing game.

Stidham had a strong preseason performance for Denver, efficiently moving the offense and connecting with receivers like Courtland Sutton and Evan Engram; he showed poise under pressure at times and led the Broncos to an early 10-0 lead, though he did miss some throws late in his appearance.

Sutton had an excellent preseason performance for Denver, catching multiple passes including a one-handed reception against CJ Henderson and a 40-yard reception that set up a touchdown; he was a primary target for Jarrett Stidham and a key part of Denver's dominant offensive performance.

Pitts was targeted multiple times by Tagovailoa in preseason Week 1, including a dump-off pass for seven yards and a covered reception that he reeled in, showing continued involvement in the Falcons' passing game despite the team's overall poor performance.

Strand had a zippy pass in preseason Week 1 and later threw a touchdown sneak in the third quarter, showing competence in the backup quarterback role; he also had a first-down pass to Josh Simon and connected on a checkdown to Nate Carter.

Goodson had solid runs in preseason Week 1, including a well-blocked run for seven yards and a powerful run that got him to the one-yard line, setting up a touchdown; he was one of the few offensive bright spots for Atlanta.