The biggest shock in Atlanta isn’t who starts at quarterback. It is that Michael Penix Jr. will likely start the season while the team keeps four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. This moves the Falcons away from the standard three-QB model everyone expects to see across the league. According to The Falcoholic, the team is projected to carry Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa, Cooper Rush, and Jack Strand. That is a luxury move for a roster that usually tightens up deep in the back end.
Why keep Strand? The math is simple and surprising. The Falcoholic notes that Strand has impressed so much in camp that the team cannot risk losing him on waivers. Other teams are desperate for signal-callers. If Atlanta cuts Strand, another club could grab him instantly. Keeping him means the Falcons pay a spot on the big roster but gain a safety net that no one else has. It is a smart play that costs very little in terms of future flexibility.
Penix has faced his own hurdles. On Monday, he resumed full 11-on-11 practice duties and continues adapting to game speed. But the team has a clear reason to get him on the field. The Falcons have more incentive to start him if he is healthy. Tua Tagovailoa started camp fine but has struggled since the preseason began. The fact that he hasn’t locked down the job yet tells a story. Penix is the guy for Week 1.
The Running Back Surprise
Most fans expect a crowded backfield. The Falcons are actually slimming down to just three running backs. Bijan Robinson leads the group, followed by Brian Robinson and Tyler Goodson. Tyler Goodson is the pleasant surprise of the offseason. During the second week of preseason play, he outperformed all other backs on the field. He also brings special teams value that makes him hard to cut. This three-man group leaves room for more players elsewhere on the roster.
Brian Robinson fills a specific role. He is a steady veteran who replicates the work Tyler Allgeier used to do. The difference is the cost. Brian Robinson does it for a fraction of the price. The Falcons are not expecting him to match Allgeier’s play, but he will be fine. The offensive line is working on power concepts that should help Bijan Robinson have his best season yet. He will also catch passes, with plays designed specifically for him.
Practice Squad and Depth Battles
The final cuts are coming early this year. Sunday is the deadline instead of Tuesday. This leaves very little time for the coaches to think things over. The team will likely shuffle the roster in the coming days. Corey Levin seems to own the center job because he knows the system and the coach. James Brockermeyer might get sniped by another team, but he has not been impressive enough to stop that from happening.
Defensive battles remain tight. Kendal Daniels is the likely choice for the second inside linebacker spot. Christian Harris only played late in the game and may not even make the final list. On the outside, Mike Hughes is the starter opposite A.J. Terrell. Darnay Holmes should start in the nickel. Avieon Terrell is back practicing but has a lot of ground to make up before the season starts. He is expected to be a starter by the end of the year though.
The wide receiver group is still up in the air. Chris Blair and Dylan Drummond had great summers and can play special teams. Vinny Anthony has one final shot to make the roster instead of the practice squad. The team has not decided yet whether to keep five or six receivers. This uncertainty keeps the final 53-man list fluid until the very last moment. The Dolphins game on Friday was the final test before the cuts.
Michael Penix Jr. said he feels great after his third full practice. He told reporters that he gets more comfortable and confident each day. “It ain’t hard, though, but that’s just what it comes with … it’s exciting for me because now I get more than 8 reps a day,” Penix said. He knows the reps are key to getting ready. The team is treating everything up to Week 1 as training camp. The final roster will be a mix of veterans and hungry young players ready to prove themselves.
