All articles tagged with #falcons
Underdogs dominated NFL Week 3, winning seven of 15 games. The Commanders, Raiders, and Falcons earned top grades, while the Patriots and Packers received 'F's. The Ravens won a dramatic game in Rio de Janeiro, and the Broncos completed a major comeback against the Rams.
The Falcons released their unofficial Week 3 depth chart ahead of Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, with Michael Penix Jr. named the starting quarterback and Tua Tagovaiola listed as his backup. The chart outlines starters, backups and reserves across the offense, defense and special teams as Atlanta prepares for kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Green Bay and Atlanta released Monday injury reports ahead of their Week 3 matchup, with multiple players listed as Did Not Participate or limited in practice and a mix of full participants, signaling uncertainty for Sunday. Packers’ notes include Zach Bako-Bewele, Aaron Banks, Warren Brinson, Anthony Campbell, Donovan Jennings, Javon Hargrave, Jayden Reed and Benjamin St-Juste (various statuses), along with Bo Melton and others participating fully. Falcons’ notes feature Billy Bowman (full), Brandon Dorlus (limited), Samson Ebukam (Did Not Participate), Nick Muse (limited), Michael Penix (full), Brian Robinson (limited), Tua Tagovailoa (limited), Jawaan Taylor (limited), and A.J. Terrell (Did Not Participate).
Week 2 delivered a mixed bag: standout defensive efforts and clutch plays surged in some wins (Vikings’ staunch defense vs. the Bears; Browns with Todd Monken stabilizing; Broncos’ late surge under Sean Payton; Tyler Shough leading the Saints’ comeback; Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DeVonta Smith providing big production). On the downside, the slate highlighted notable misfires and injuries: the Chargers’ offense and ball security woes, the Falcons’ quarterback instability, Ravens’ late collapse, Steelers’ stalled approach, Bears’ Caleb Williams injury concerns, and Texans’ run-game struggles amid a thin supporting cast.
In Week 2 the Atlanta Falcons suffer a 34-3 home defeat to the Panthers, with the offense criticized for poor preparation and predictable playcalling as the team slides to 0-2; Bryce Young is highlighted as playing exceptionally well for Carolina, while the Chargers are labeled losers after another 0-2 start. The Saints emerge as a quiet winner, Brian Flores earns praise for Minnesota’s defense, and Aaron Rodgers draws fire for a rough Steelers start. The Falcons now face a short week and a tough test against the Packers as they try to salvage a stalled season.
Atlanta sits 0–2 and heads into a three-game national TV stretch (TNF at Packers, MNF at Saints, SNF vs Ravens) with a shaky QB situation after Cooper Rush started the year and Jack Strand replaced him. A potential return for Penix could help, but a short week complicates it. The heavy primetime slate may boost viewership while highlighting a struggling team, potentially heightening fan frustration and risking a rough 0–5 start as national audiences tune in.
Falcons wide receiver Drake London was seen shouting profanities at a fan during Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Panthers. London said he reacted to personal insults and acknowledged it wasn’t the right thing to do, with teammate Olamide Zaccheaus restraining him. He emphasized he must take accountability and move on. Atlanta, missing their top two quarterbacks this season (Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand have been playing), entered the game with a team passer rating of 38.2. London finished with four receptions for 51 yards, after two catches for 29 yards last week.
The Panthers cruised to a 34-3 win over the Falcons, with Bryce Young shredding Atlanta through the air and Carolina’s defense and special teams contributing to a lopsided afternoon. Atlanta’s offense stalled due to turnovers, penalties, and poor blocking, sealing a rough 0-2 hole as the game slipped away early and never recovered.
The Falcons will start Cooper Rush at quarterback for the second straight week in Week 2 against the Panthers, with Jack Strand likely backing him up. Rush’s Week 1 performance was modest, and the Panthers’ defense allowed a heavy points total to the Bears in Week 1. Separately, Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are dealing with injuries, with Penix saying he’s “close” to playing, raising the possibility Rush’s fate could hinge on future returns.
Carolina heads Week 2 with a thinner front seven after Bobby Brown III was ruled out with a back issue, leaving Derrick Brown to anchor the line; outside linebacker Patrick Jones II is questionable after a limited week, while Jalen Coker participated fully and is available, and Darren Waller rested midweek but has no game status as the Panthers prepare for the Falcons.
Cooper Rush is set to start at quarterback for the Falcons in Week 2 against the Panthers after taking first‑team reps at practice. The 18th‑career start follows two Ravens starts last season; Atlanta will lean on Bijan Robinson, who piled up 83 rushing yards and 90 receiving yards in Week 1 and accounted for a large share of the offense. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is 4-1 against Atlanta, with four straight wins, and Michael Penix Jr. remains unavailable as a potential alternative. Carolina has won three straight against Atlanta, setting the stage for Rush’s Falcons debut as they attempt to jump‑start their offense.
Falcons QB Cooper Rush is getting treatment for a back injury, leaving Week 2 quarterback plans uncertain with rookie Jack Strand possibly starting if Rush can’t go; Rush struggled in Week 1, and with other QBs dealing with injuries, Strand could become a fantasy sleeper pick.
Atlanta’s opener saw a stout Falcons defense but a stalled offense and inconsistent special teams; Sydney Brown, Za’Darius Smith, and Maason Smith led the 3-up list with disruptive plays, while Matthew Bergeron struggled with penalties, Nick Folk missed two kicks, and Cooper Rush’s in-game miscues hampered the attack. If the offense and special teams can rebound, the defense has the pieces to keep them competitive in Week 2 against the Panthers.
ESPN reports Michael Penix remains not ready for live game action as he recovers from a 2025 ACL reconstruction, with the Falcons planning a cautious return and eyeing Week 2 or 3. The situation also shapes Week 2 QB plans amid Tua Tagovailoa’s oblique injury and Cooper Rush’s status, affecting Falcons’ offensive expectations and fantasy implications for receivers like Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Falcons haven't named a Week 2 starter; Cooper Rush is the likely option after Week 1, while Tua Tagovailoa remains out with an oblique injury and Michael Penix is cleared for practice but not yet fully back from ACL rehab, with undrafted rookie Jack Strand still in consideration. Coach Stefanski declined to confirm first-team reps, keeping the quarterback decision in flux as the team navigates practice ahead of the Panthers game (and a short week before Green Bay).