The Atlanta Falcons went into the weekend as the only team in the NFL yet to announce who would start at quarterback in Week 1. The season kicks off in just two days. Not having a firm decision this close to kickoff made it difficult to feel confident in any of Atlanta's options — and Kevin Stefanski likely felt the same way.
But on Monday, the Falcons finally made the call, announcing that Tua Tagovailoa will get the start in Week 1. Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Falcons this offseason and had been in a quarterback battle with former first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. throughout training camp and the preseason. The Falcons open their 2026 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Acrisure Stadium.
More news: LSU Fans Send Clear Message About Jayden Daniels in Clemson Rout Safe to say fans online had a field day with this one. "TJ Watt is gonna put Tua in the shadow realm," another user replied. "We've gone from Tank For Tua to Tank With Tua," one other added.
"Reaaaaaal bad look for Atlanta Sports," another user wrote. "I got in a very severe car crash, and now it’s not even the worst thing that’s happened to me this week," one Falcons fan wrote. "This is your starting QB?" another account posted, alongside a viral clip of Penix on the bench.
More news: Michael Irvin Can’t Believe What This WR Just Got Paid At first glance, it's a shocking decision. Penix was a first-round pick who coaches have praised throughout his recovery, while Tagovailoa has looked horrible all summer. But it was also only preseason, and Tagovailoa — who spent years as Miami's starter before being released this offseason — arguably deserves a shot at a fresh start in Atlanta.
More news: Rams Get Good News on Puka Nacua After Rare Injury The Falcons also have reason to be cautious with Penix, who is coming off another serious knee injury. Rushing him back only to risk reinjury would be a worse outcome than giving Tagovailoa the first crack at the job. If the Tagovailoa experiment doesn't work out, the team can pivot to Penix once he's fully ready.
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