Tua Tagovailoa has officially been announced as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons when they take on the Miami Dolphins to conclude their 2026 NFL preseason. Many fans around the league reacted to the news and commented on the absence of Michael Penix Jr.
NFL Fans Have Their Say Over Tua Tagovailoa Starting For Falcons
Tagovailoa was acquired by the Falcons during the 2026 NFL offseason, despite them already having Penix on their roster. It’s the former Dolphins quarterback who will get the final start of the preseason, and he will do so against the team that gave him away this year.
“Tua facing his former team with the Falcons QB1 job on the line,” shared Onyx Odds’ account with a video of a quarterback’s nervously trembling hands.
Tua facing his former team with the Falcons QB1 job on the line pic.twitter.com/CkObzyoxmz
— Onyx Odds (@OnyxOdds) August 26, 2026
While Penix has reportedly been ruled out for the contest and will still apparently compete for the starter’s role going forward, Tagovailoa will get a real shot at making an impression on the Falcons’ decision-makers. Many fans commented on the added pressure of the situation.
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“Tua might actually get cut if he doesn’t step it up,” said a fan.
Tua might actually get cut if he doesn’t step it up
— 𝙘𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨🎒 (@SkiMaskChris_) August 26, 2026
A strong performance could realistically earn him the nod for their Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some fans also pointed out that a poor showing could potentially end his time in Atlanta before it ever really got started.
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“Losing a one-man quarterback battle,” stated another.
This nigga is LOSING a 1 man QB battle pic.twitter.com/wIVDK44GZR
— Q (@CoachQ312) August 26, 2026
If nothing else, the Falcons should be getting a motivated Tagovailoa and may be able to assess how he handles the moment. He will have a chance to prove to his new team that he’s a capable starter, while trying to show his former team that they made a mistake letting him go.
“Tua will finally be able to help Miami win a football game,” teased another.
Tua will finally be able to help Miami win a football game! https://t.co/BOH1ztdtAu
— Drink More Water | Read More Books🐬 (@flaquaticfan) August 26, 2026
For what it’s worth, Tagovailoa compiled a 44-32 record as a starter during his six years with the Dolphins, but has won just 12 of his 25 starts across the past two seasons. He also threw 15 interceptions last year, the m most in any season of his career so far.
His recent decline makes it interesting that the Falcons decided to acquire him during the offseason and challenge Penix for his role as their starter. Both of them were disappointing in 2025, but Penix finished two spots higher than Tagovailoa in PFN’s QB Impact Rankings.
Atlanta has yet to make an official announcement on who their primary starter will be, with just over two weeks until the regular season kicks off.
