The Atlanta Falcons went through a major reset this summer. Swapping Raheem Morris with Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, they also brought in Tua Tagovailoa as a veteran quarterback presence, who could fill in while Michael Penix Jr. recovers from an injury.
But so far, the returns haven’t been excellent, either through training camp or in the preseason. As a result, the court of public opinion seems to be inclining towards Jack Strand instead after a sensational performance against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jack Strand Is Starting a Conversation
Playing college football for Minnesota State-Moorhead, Strand came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent for the Falcons. Between Tagovailoa and Penix, it seemed unlikely that he would carve out a role for himself.
However, just two games into the preseason, he seems to have won over the fan base already. Starting their preseason slate against the Denver Broncos with a blowout loss, Strand had a solid showing in that game as well.
Completing six of 12 passes, he had 50 yards on the night. But against the Colts, he truly came into his own. Getting a majority of the snaps, he completed 12 of 17 passing attempts, recording 212 yards and a touchdown.
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He was also effective on the ground, with 9 carries for 22 rushing yards and another score. With clips of Tagovailoa struggling mightily against the Colts during joint practices surfacing online, fans believe Strand has sparked a new conversation.
As one fan outright argued, “I’d start Jack Strand over Tua. I hate to say it. My Alabama Fans would disown me for saying that.”
Others came to a similar conclusion: “Strand needs to start over Tua.”
I’d Start Jack Strand over Tua
I hate to say it
My Alabama Fans would disown me for saying that#DirtyBirds— Ryan..Dhar Mann’s writing is Ass (@SliceOfRyanII) August 22, 2026
However, based on this one game, it was undeniable for some fans, as one said, “Dawg Jack Strand might actually be better than Tua lmao.”
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The absurdity was hard to dismiss, as another fan explained, “I have more confidence in an undrafted rookie QB named Jack Strand than I do in a 7-year vet and a national champion Tua Tagovailoa. That says a lot.”
Jack strand to Tua and Penix pic.twitter.com/tYi5sjQIy1
— HelloThere (@Cleondonson) August 22, 2026
Even with Penix recovering from injury, some were ready to move on from the first-round pick. As one fan joked, “Jack Strand should be QB1, but we’re stuck with Tua and Penix instead.”
Jack Strand should be QB1, but we’re stuck with Tua and Penix instead 😭
— Fire Alex Anthopoulos (@GaSportsFreak1) August 22, 2026
Another fan believed Strand was enough to fulfill the role the Falcons expected of Tagovailoa, making the former Pro Bowler expendable: “Jack Strand is the truth. Cut Tua and start Strand week 1. QB room should be Strand, Penix, and Rush.”
The Falcons will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular-season opener, and as of now, Tagovailoa will be their starting quarterback. However, if he struggles and Penix also doesn’t play well after his return from injury, then Strand could get his opportunity.
According to PFN’s QB Impact Metric, Tagovailoa posted an impact score of 72.1 last season, ranking 28th at his position. It will be interesting to see if he can bring his career back on track in Atlanta.
