The Atlanta Falcons are starting the preseason tonight.
The Atlanta Falcons are beginning their preseason campaign on Friday night against the Denver Broncos, and head coach Kevin Stefanski has said the starting unit will get at least a series.
While there is no decision made for Week 1 on the starting quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. still working to get cleared from his torn ACL of course means he will not be on the field. This means Tua Tagovailoa is going to get the chance to showcase why he should be getting the first crack in the regular season, even if the sample size is small.
Since it's only going to be one series, Tagovailoa may have a tendency to think he has to do something spectacular in limited action, but that mindset could lead to putting the ball in danger and ultimately turning it over. Instead of trying to force anything, he needs to demonstrate to the coaching staff a grasp and command of the offense, look comfortable operating things, and deepen the bond of trust not only from coaches but also the players around him.
Preseason games should be taken with a massive grain of salt, but in all likelihood, Tagovailoa and the first team unit will get the chance to see some starters on the other side of the field. It's a test for Tagovailoa, but not one where he needs to lead a touchdown drive or make any kind of spectacular pass.
Doing the unremarkable and showing he has gotten better during camp would be the best thing he could do in order to put himself in the best position possible to try to win the starting job even when Penix does get healthy.
Because Penix has not been able to do 11 on 11, Tagovailoa undeniably has the inside track at the job. Ultimately, this means that if he simply goes in and does his job without doing anything foolish and putting himself or the football in harm's way, he should maintain that inside track.
Should he have a great night and lead a touchdown drive with several nice throws though, fans who may be doubting whether he's the right man for the job could go a long way towards being won over.
It should be a fascinating evening in Atlanta, and all eyes will be on Tagovailoa at the start of the game as he continues his push towards being this team's starting quarterback.
