The Atlanta Falcons’ decision to name Tua Tagovailoa their Week 1 starting quarterback has sparked strong reactions across the NFL.
Tagovailoa will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers after winning the quarterback job over Michael Penix Jr., who is still working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered in November 2025. While Atlanta’s decision appears to be largely based on Penix’s limited practice time, many analysts were still surprised by the announcement.
Falcons’ Tua Tagovailoa Decision Draws Immediate NFL Backlash
Tagovailoa signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal with Atlanta during the offseason following his release from the Miami Dolphins. The veteran ranked 28th among quarterbacks in PFN’s QB Impact Metric last season, adding another layer to the debate surrounding Atlanta’s decision to name him the Week 1 starter.
Many expected the Falcons’ 2024 first-round pick, Michael Penix Jr., to take over once he was healthy. But Penix was only cleared for full 11-on-11 drills two weeks ago, giving him limited time to get comfortable in Kevin Stefanski’s new offense. That lack of practice time appears to have played a major role in Atlanta turning to the more experienced Tagovailoa for Week 1.
The announcement immediately sparked mixed and, in some cases, harsh reactions.
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NFL analyst Josh Norris appeared to look ahead to the future, writing, “We’re on to 2027.”
“We’re on to 2027” https://t.co/YGgb3316Bc
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) September 7, 2026
Pat Thorman was even more direct, calling the decision “Malpractice.”
Malpractice https://t.co/gThpbcYFgO
— Pat Thorman (@Pat_Thorman) September 7, 2026
Former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz questioned the competition itself, writing, “Congrats to Tua on winning a one man QB competition.”
Fantasy Football Podcast host Brian Drake also reacted to the impact the quarterback decision could have on Atlanta’s offense, saying, “Drake London owners crying louder than teachers who return to work tomorrow. Sad day for all.”
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NFL insider Albert Breer pointed to Penix’s lack of practice time as a key factor, noting that the wording of Atlanta’s announcement was important.
“The ‘For Week 1’ part of the announcement is interesting, and indicative of the fact that Michael Penix Jr. wasn’t cleared for 11-on-11 work until two weeks ago. Timing a big piece of the decision-making here,” Breer said.
Falcons tab Tua Tagovailoa as starting quarterback.
The “For Week 1” part of the announcement is interesting, and indicative of the fact that Michael Penix Jr. wasn’t cleared for 11-on-11 work until two weeks ago. Timing a big piece of the decision-making here. https://t.co/aOHdqaKdxy
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 7, 2026
Others suggested Penix could take over sooner rather than later.
The Athletic Football Show host Robert Mays wrote, “Was always gonna be an uphill battle for Penix to be ready, given the lack of practice time. Think we’ll see him pretty soon.”
Another analyst suggested Tagovailoa may not have much room for error, saying the veteran could have a “short leash” if he struggles early in the season.
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Questions Surrounding Falcons’ QB Decision
The timing of the announcement also raised questions about how Atlanta handled the quarterback situation throughout training camp.
Just four days before the announcement, general manager Ian Cunningham told reporters that the team remained undecided under center. Media personalities like Mark Zinno questioned what internal data changed so drastically over a 96-hour span: “Did Penix’s knee not get better? Did it get worse? Was the intention to start Tua all along?”
For now, Atlanta has made its choice, but the wording of the announcement leaves the door open for a potential change.
With the Falcons set to face the Steelers in Week 1, Tagovailoa will have the first opportunity to prove that Atlanta made the right call. If he struggles, however, the calls for Penix could quickly grow louder once the former first-round pick is fully ready to take over.
