The Atlanta Falcons’ preseason opener against the Denver Broncos produced multiple notable developments, including a viral moment, a critical coaching remark, and a quarterback’s self-assessment of his performance.
Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa’s sideline exchange sparks meme frenzy
During the Falcons’ 27-7 preseason loss, Michael Penix Jr. was spotted on the sidelines making a bewildered gesture toward newly acquired quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The moment quickly circulated online as a potential "meme of the year" contender, overshadowing other aspects of the game. Penix Jr., recovering from a partially torn ACL suffered last season, did not play in the contest. Tagovailoa, who completed three of five passes for 22 yards, also did not see significant action, with backups Cooper Rush and Jack Strand taking additional snaps.
Sean Payton mocks Falcons’ home crowd attendance
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton drew attention during a halftime interview by commenting on the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "A lot of people dressed up as empty seats today," Payton remarked, referring to the Falcons’ home preseason turnout. The Broncos led 24-0 at halftime before finishing with a 27-7 victory. Official attendance was reported at over 68,000, though Payton’s remark suggested a perception of sparse support for the Falcons.
Tagovailoa calls his own performance ‘not up to par’
Following the game, Tagovailoa described his preseason debut as subpar, citing struggles with snap execution and overall execution. "Definitely not up to standard. Not even up to par," he told reporters. He acknowledged the need to improve, emphasizing that his performance did not reflect the team’s training camp efforts. The Falcons’ offense, which included a fumble by Tagovailoa on a second-down snap, managed only one touchdown in the contest.
Falcons’ quarterback situation remains fluid
The Falcons entered the preseason with two veteran quarterbacks: Tagovailoa, signed to a one-year, $1.3 million contract, and Penix Jr., the 2024 draft’s No. 8 pick, who is still recovering from injury. The team’s offensive struggles in the loss were compounded by backup quarterbacks Strand and Rush, who combined for a 12-for-24 passing line, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Falcons finished the 2024 season with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs despite a four-game win streak.
Broncos’ preseason dominance continues under Payton
The Broncos’ victory extended Payton’s recent success in Atlanta, where he previously won games as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Denver’s defense, highlighted by Jahdae Barron’s 97-yard interception return, stifled the Falcons’ offense early. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham added a five-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, while the Broncos’ offense managed just a single field goal in the second half, reflecting a conservative approach after building a commanding lead.
The Falcons’ next preseason game is scheduled for August 23 against the Miami Dolphins.