The Atlanta Falcons needed a response after a rough opening week of the preseason, and they got one. Atlanta bounced back in a big way, putting together a much better performance in Week 2. The Falcons had been beaten 27-7 by Denver in their preseason opener, and that loss came at a difficult time for the team.
James Pearce Jr. had also been suspended for eight games, while Tua Tagovailoa and the defense both struggled in the opener. Well, let's just say that Week 2 looked totally different. Sports news: Eagles’ Ty Robinson is Making an Impression in the Preseason Atlanta came out and handled the Colts a difficult game.
With neither Tagovailoa nor Michael Penix Jr. playing, Cooper Rush and Jack Strand both turned in solid performances. The Falcons also got rushing touchdowns from three different players during the convincing victory. That alone made for a much better night, but the even better news came after the game.
Kevin Stefanski announced that Penix had been cleared to return to 11-on-11 work following his lengthy rehabilitation from another torn ACL. That's a big development for Atlanta as the team continues to work through its quarterback situation. More sports: 49ers’ Jacob Cowing Dubbed a ‘Winner’ in Preseason Getting Penix back on the field is good news for the Falcons.
The improved performance against Indianapolis also gave the team something positive to take away after a disappointing first week. Preseason scores don't ultimately determine what happens once the regular season begins, but Atlanta clearly needed to show some signs of life. CBS Sports has named the entire Falcons a winner for their performance in the preseason.
After the way Week 1 unfolded, Atlanta had lots to prove. The showing against Indianapolis didn't erase every question surrounding the team, but it was a much-needed step in the right direction.
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