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Falcons’ Tua Tagovailoa struggles in 27-7 season opener

8/16/2026

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Summary

Tua Struggles

Tua Tagovailoa started for the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener, which ended in a 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos.
He completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards to Kyle Pitts and later fumbled.
Tagovailoa said his performance was “not up to standard, not even up to par,” expressing frustration.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said it is too early to name a starter and the quarterback competition will continue.

Summary

James Pearce Suspended

James Pearce Jr., Falcons edge rusher, was suspended eight games starting Aug. 30, eligible Nov. 2.
Denver extended its preseason win streak to eight games, the NFL’s longest, after a 27-7 win over Atlanta.
Head coach Sean Payton said starters will play about 15 snaps, calling the preseason a “dress rehearsal.”
The Broncos stressed tipping passes at the line, a tactic that yielded a pick-six by Jahdae Barron.

History

Historical Context

After the AFL–NFL merger was finalized in March 1970, the ten former AFL clubs and three NFL teams formed the AFC, producing a 26-team league. That shared structure still shapes preseason use, as Denver’s Sean Payton runs a dress-rehearsal while Atlanta’s Kevin Stefanski trials rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, reflecting the league’s long-standing talent-evaluation practice.

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Tua Struggles

Tua Tagovailoa started for the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener, which ended in a 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos.
He completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards to Kyle Pitts and later fumbled.
Tagovailoa said his performance was “not up to standard, not even up to par,” expressing frustration.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski said it is too early to name a starter and the quarterback competition will continue.

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