Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa starting quarterback for Week 1

The former Miami Dolphins quarterback will lead Atlanta’s offense on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 13, in Week 1.

Tua Tagovailoa named Falcons starting quarterback

Atlanta waited until the final week before the start of the regular season to announce its decision. Tagovailoa was ultimately selected ahead of Michael Penix Jr., the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

At 28 years old, Tagovailoa brings significantly more experience to the Falcons. He has already started 76 regular-season games during his six years with Miami. His first appearance for Atlanta will therefore be the 77th start of his NFL career.

However, the Falcons have only named Tagovailoa as their starter for Week 1. That wording suggests the quarterback hierarchy could still change during the season.

A fresh opportunity for Tua after six seasons in Miami

Selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa experienced several contrasting seasons with the Dolphins.

He nevertheless demonstrated his ability to lead a productive NFL offense. In 2023, he led the league with 4,624 passing yards, helping Miami finish with an 11-6 record and qualify for the playoffs.

That campaign also earned Tagovailoa the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. The following season, he led the NFL with a 72.9% completion percentage.

Tagovailoa left Miami during the 2026 offseason before joining Atlanta in an attempt to revive his career. He finished his time with the Dolphins with a 44-32 record as a starter.

Tagovailoa's encouraging pre-season after a disrupted start

Tagovailoa’s training camp did not begin in ideal circumstances. The quarterback missed Atlanta’s opening full-team practices because of tightness in his back.

He gradually found his rhythm in offensive coordinator Tommy Rees’ system, receiving the majority of the first-team repetitions during 11-on-11 periods.

Tagovailoa also started Atlanta’s first and final pre-season games. He completed 10 of his 13 passes for 117 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, and finished with a passer rating of 103.7.

The Falcons’ coaching staff were particularly impressed by his experience, ability to read defenses, and capacity to distribute the ball quickly.

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Why did the Falcons choose Tua over Michael Penix Jr.?

Atlanta’s decision can also be explained by Michael Penix Jr.’s injury situation.

The 26-year-old quarterback partially tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during Week 11 of the 2025 season. He subsequently underwent surgery and did not return to full 11-on-11 practice until late August.

Penix made nine starts in 2025 and recorded three victories and six defeats. He completed 60.1% of his passes for:

• 1,982 passing yards;

• 9 touchdowns;

• 3 interceptions.

His late return to full practice limited the number of opportunities he had to genuinely compete with Tagovailoa before Week 1.

Tagovailoa consequently spent more time with Atlanta’s starters and developed a better immediate understanding of the team’s new offensive system.

 

Is Michael Penix Jr. still an option for Atlanta?

Tagovailoa’s appointment does not necessarily mean Penix will spend the entire season on the bench.

The young quarterback remains a major investment for the franchise. Selected inside the Top 10 of the 2024 NFL Draft, he is already entering the third year of his rookie contract. The Falcons will soon have to decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option covering the 2028 season.

Atlanta will therefore need to continue evaluating Penix. If Tagovailoa struggles or Penix returns to full fitness, the quarterback competition could reopen during the season.

An offense suited to Tua Tagovailoa’s strengths

Tagovailoa does not necessarily possess the same arm strength as Penix, particularly on deep passes. However, he offers greater accuracy and experience in the short- and intermediate-passing game.

His skill set could fit naturally into an offense built around several players capable of producing yards after the catch.

Tagovailoa will be able to rely on players including:

• Bijan Robinson, one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs;
• Drake London, Atlanta’s leading outside receiving target;
• Kyle Pitts, a tight end capable of creating difficult matchups;
• Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus, who joined during the offseason.

Tagovailoa’s quick release, accuracy, and decision-making could allow Atlanta to make full use of its variety of offensive weapons.

When is Steelers vs. Falcons?

The Falcons will begin their 2026 NFL season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

• Game: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons
• Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Kick-off: 6pm BST
• Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
• Competition: NFL regular season, Week 1

Tagovailoa will attempt to make a successful Atlanta debut against a Pittsburgh defense that traditionally provides a difficult challenge for opposing quarterbacks.

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