The Atlanta Falcons are rolling out a quarterback situation so wild, you almost have to see it to believe it. They’ve got *four* signal-callers on the roster, and if the old saying holds true that two QBs mean no QBs, then Atlanta is sitting on negative two quarterbacks. That’s a rough start for any team trying to make some noise. So far, Cooper Rush leads the entire NFL with four interceptions, which is a massive problem, especially when the offense hasn’t even managed a single red zone offensive play through their first two games with him at the helm. Talk about an uphill battle right from the jump.
Atlanta’s QB Room Is a “Conceptual Disaster”
Let’s break down this quarterback chaos, because it truly is a complete conceptual disaster. First, there’s Jack Strand, a big body at 6-4, 243 pounds, who’s mostly a longshot developmental prospect. Then you have Tua Tagovailoa, who’s dealing with an oblique injury and likely a concussion, not to mention what has to be a huge ego hit from not being the starter. He’s too established to be a backup, even though he excels at the short passing game with that quick release and pop-gun arm. But for the future? He’s 28 and arguably one concussion away from being done. Cooper Rush, despite his terrible start, is somehow good enough to get support from talk radio hosts. It’s truly wild.
The wild card, Michael Penix, is set to start on Thursday, but his history is brutal. He’s suffered a season-ending injury in five of his last eight seasons, including a torn ACL in November. When he’s healthy, Penix is an elite athlete, posting a 9.75 RAS, and he’s great as a deep passer. The problem? He’s never healthy, and the Falcons’ offense isn’t even built for deep passing. Drake London is a fantastic player, but he shines on short and intermediate routes. The rest of Atlanta’s receivers, including Olamide Zaccheaus, are described as the teeniest, tiniest guys in the league. Penix thrived in college throwing to bigger, vertical threats like Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk, and that’s just not what he has in Atlanta. They did spend draft capital on Penix, so there’s huge incentive to make him work, but he’s as injury-prone as Tua, which explains keeping Rush around.
What’s Next for This Unpredictable Offense?
Maybe Kyle Pitts is the real wide receiver two for this team. He had a nice rebound season last year after being a perpetual disappointment, but still only averaged 10.5 yards per catch. Bijan Robinson is undoubtedly the best player on offense, and he can definitely help any quarterback. But at some point, you simply *need* to pass effectively. Objectively, Tua might be the best choice if you could somehow keep him on the field, but that’s a gigantic “if.”
The Falcons are a total enigma. Last year, they beat powerhouses like the Bills and Rams, and almost took down the Patriots, but then turned around and lost to the Jets and Dolphins. You basically get a different Atlanta team every time they step on the field based on who’s behind center. Penix starting on Thursday, despite being a weird fit, might mean they won’t be quite as atrocious, especially since Thursday night games always produce strange results, and the Packers aren’t exactly completely healthy themselves. Green Bay should win this one, but honestly, this beginning to the season is so bizarre and unpredictable. This dysfunctional Falcons QB room makes predicting anything a total nightmare.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply