Falcons Quarterback Dilemma
Falcons Rely on Cooper Rush as Injured Quarterbacks Force Roster Decisions
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Key Points
1
Rush played despite suffering back spasms the day before Atlanta’s opener, and he had not received the normal practice-week repetitions with the starters before facing Pittsburgh.
2
Rush has made 18 career starts and owns a 4-4 record in eight starts for Dallas in 2024, followed by an 0-2 mark in two starts with Baltimore last season.
3
Atlanta’s passing attack was among the league’s least effective in Week 1: Rush was sacked four times, posted a 51.9 passer rating, averaged only 3.5 air yards per attempt and recorded a 9.1% turnover-worthy throw rate.
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Eight of Rush’s 12 completions against Pittsburgh went to running back Bijan Robinson, underscoring how heavily Atlanta relied on its short passing game in the opener.
5
A potential trade for Mac Jones could reportedly require a conditional second-round pick; Jones also led San Francisco to a 20-10 victory over Atlanta last season while filling in for the injured Brock Purdy.
The Atlanta Falcons will start Cooper Rush in their home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, with no other healthy quarterbacks available NFL Report. Michael Penix Jr. remains sidelined by a season-ending ACL injury, and Tua Tagovailoa is out with an oblique problem. Rush struggled in Atlanta's 20-13 loss to Pittsburgh last week, completing 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Rush's Rough Debut Despite Limited Preparation
Rush played the season opener while dealing with back spasms and had not received full practice reps with Atlanta's starters before facing Pittsburgh Audacy. He was sacked four times and posted a dismal 51.9 passer rating. His turnovers included a pick-six by T.J. Watt. Eight of his 12 completions went to running back Bijan Robinson, showing how much the Falcons leaned on short passes.
Career Record Gives Limited Confidence
Rush has made 18 career starts across multiple NFL teams. With Dallas in 2024, he went 4-4 in eight starts. Last season with Baltimore, he lost both of his two starts. His Week 1 performance for Atlanta showed he averaged just 3.5 air yards per attempt and recorded a 9.1% turnover-worthy throw rate KTOP 1490. These numbers suggest the Falcons' passing attack ranked among the league's least effective.
Atlanta May Explore Mac Jones Trade
The Falcons have considered trading for San Francisco backup Mac Jones, though the deal would reportedly require a conditional second-round pick Yahoo Sports. Jones beat Atlanta last season, leading the 49ers to a 20-10 victory while filling in for injured Brock Purdy. Pittsburgh backup Mason Rudolph was previously mentioned as a cheaper alternative. But waiting for Penix's recovery may prove more practical than making a costly midseason trade.
Panthers Ready to Exploit Falcons' QB Weakness
Carolina will try to attack a shaky Falcons offense led by a banged-up Rush Z93 Jamz. The Panthers must improve their Week 1 defense and capitalize on Atlanta's uncertainty at quarterback. A full week of preparation for Rush should help, but his track record suggests the Falcons' passing game will remain a vulnerable point throughout the season.
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