The Atlanta Falcons face the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 with major quarterback concerns after their loss to the Steelers. Our Falcons Roundtable breaks down Cooper Rush, Tua Tagovailoa's injury, Kevin Stefanski's challenges and score predictions for the NFC South matchup.
The Atlanta Falcons Couldn't pick up the season-opening victory after falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers to kick off the 2026 NFL season.
As problems and questions continue to circulate around the franchise, mainly at quarterback, the team is once again entering another week of football without its top signal callers.
On this week's Falcons roundtable, the staff discussed what needs to be done in order to win a football game against their NFC South rival, the Carolina Panthers.
What were your initial thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons after their Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Michael Brauner: It's hard to evaluate anything meaningfully with Cooper Rush in there, but it was a tough day on offense. On defense, there were a lot of really encouraging things.
Christian Rauh: Spending all that money this offseason on offensive weapons and not being able to utilize them because you have your third-string quarterback in is very discouraging. That needs to get fixed and corrected right away, but this season could already be down the drain.
What do you think they will do at quarterback this Sunday?
Michael Brauner: It seems like they don't have a choice. Michael Penix seemingly doesn't want to play, Tua Tagovailoa is hurt, and they don't think Jack Strand is ready. It will be Rush.
Christian Rauh: Yeah, it appears Rush is getting the nod with Tua being doubtful, so we most likely won't see him as well. What a nightmare scenario for the Falcons and Kevin Stefanski to start his tenure.
What are your initial thoughts on the Falcons' Week 2 opponent, the Carolina Panthers?
Michael Brauner: Bryce Young looked great in week one, but the defense looked obviously dreadful. Hopefully that can continue.
Christian Rauh: If I were a Panthers fan, I'd find a lot of things to be excited about after the Week 1 matchup. The Bears can score, and I think they ran into a pretty potent offense. They won't see that in Week 2. I feel pretty confident about winning against their division foe this week.
Other than quarterback, what's one major storyline you're paying attention to heading into Week 2?
Michael Brauner: Can Nick Folk get it together after a very rough Week 1?
Christian Rauh: There weren't many bright spots for the Atlanta Falcons last week, but there were some areas on the defense I'd like to see Za'Darius Smith Step up once again for Jeff Ulbrich and potentially keep them in this football game.
What is your final score prediction between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers?
Michael Brauner: I just can't pick the Falcons right now with the QB situation. Panthers 23-Falcons 13.
Christian Rauh: I think Carolina has a better offense than what Pittsburgh has, and we're entering the same type of offense for the Falcons after being without their top two quarterbacks yet again. Carolina is going to win this game, unfortunately, and they might win big. Panthers 35, Falcons 17.
