The Atlanta Falcons finally get their first real test of 2026 against the Denver Broncos. With position battles, a new coaching staff and questions at quarterback, the preseason opener should give Kevin Stefanski his first real look at which players are ready for Week 1.
Preseason football is finally here for the Atlanta Falcons.
With the amount of injuries, drama, contract extensions, new faces, and more, the team is finally ready to put it all on the field and get the first true evaluations against an opponent in 2026.
On this week's Falcons Roundtable, the staff discusses some of the biggest storylines they're looking to hear following the contest against the Denver Broncos.
What are you hoping to learn during the first preseason game on Friday?
Michael Brauner: Who is starting alongside Drake London if the Falcons truly do give the starters a full series, as well as who is starting at right tackle
Christian Rauh: The obvious answer to me is the quarterback position. We won't get a full evaluation on that, as Michael Pennix will not play. Tua Tagliovola will, and he has a chance to get an edge on the competition.
What are the biggest surprises in the first depth chart this year?
Michael Brauner: Maason Smith being ahead of Zach Harrison is a surprise, but perhaps not based on the reports from camp. It's also a bit of a surprise to see Ethan Onianwa as low as he is despite a ton of first-team reps in camp.
Christian Rauh: Harold Perkins Jr. has reportedly been getting a ton of action in fall camp and potentially could find himself with a very important role on this Falcons defense as early as week one against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I'm looking to see how he impacts the game in his very first NFL playing debut.
What's considered a success during the preseason opener?
Michael Brauner: No injuries, the starting unit looking competent, and ideally a win.
Christian Rauh: I couldn't care less what the score is in this contest. I want to see consistency. With a brand new head coach, there is a ton of new things to learn, a new scheme to adjust to, and it will be very telling on who retained the most information when they're no longer in a practice setting. The position battles will hash themselves out, but this could become a bigger problem. If it isn't corrected fast enough, Week 1 is a perfect opportunity to handle it.
Kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be at 7 p.m. EST.
