The Kevin Stefanski era in Atlanta is off to a brutal start.
Tua Tagovailoa struggled in his Falcons debut, Cooper Rush looked even worse, and the Denver Broncos dominated the Falcons through three quarters, leading 24-7. To add insult to injury, Sean Payton took aim at the Falcons’ faithful for their lack of support.
Sean Payton Rips Falcons Fans At Halftime of Preseason Opener
The Broncos made the Falcons look like they didn’t belong on the same field. They jumped out to a 24-point lead at halftime, and Payton decided to have a little fun in his halftime interview.
He’s more than familiar with Falcons fans from his time as head coach with New Orleans, and he took a sweet 10-word shot at the turnout they had for their preseason opener.
“A lot of people dressed up as empty seats today,” said Payton.
Sean Payton at halftime in Atlanta, via @TroyRenck:
“A lot of people dressed up as empty seats today.”
Falcons fans booed the team at the end of the first half. pic.twitter.com/q5XsvmyfJI
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 15, 2026
Falcons fans made their feelings known at halftime as well, with boos ringing throughout the stadium. They weren’t aimed at Payton, though, as they were simply disgusted with the performance from their favorite team.
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The Falcons didn’t come ready to play, and their fans are far from encouraged. Their quarterback play was ugly, with Tagovailoa struggling and Rush completing just 7 of 19 passes with two interceptions, including a pick-six.
To make matters worse, earlier in the day, they learned that one of their best edge rushers, James Pearce Jr., will be suspended for eight games of the regular season. Pearce is serving a suspension for a domestic violence arrest that took place in February.
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Atlanta has failed to take advantage of the weak NFC South over the last few years and could be staring at a rough year ahead despite the talent that is littered throughout this roster.
The Falcons will have weapons on offense with Drake London and a newly extended Bijan Robinson, but if the quarterback play remains as it looked against Denver, Falcons fans will be dressing up as empty seats and booing a lot more.
On the flip side, Payton will be pleased with his team’s showing. The Broncos started most of their starters for a few series, and they did their job.
The highlight of the night was Jahdae Barron’s 97-yard pick-six, which put the Broncos up by 24. The Falcons will be hoping to chalk this game up to a preseason disaster, while Denver will use it as a tone-setter as they aim to retain their AFC West title in 2026.
