Tua Tagovailoa Earns Strong Praise From Falcons Coach Ahead of Preseason Debut

The Atlanta Falcons' former eighth overall choice, Michael Penix Jr., is recuperating from his third torn ACL injury sustained in 2025. Although he has taken part in 7-on-7 drills and practiced strongly on Monday, he hasn't been cleared for full contact yet. This has left Tua Tagovailoa, whom the Falcons signed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal in March, as a potential starter.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has not yet named a Week 1 starter, but it appears increasingly likely that Tagovailoa will take the helm. This became even clearer on Tuesday when he received strong praise from Falcons quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, who has coached other notable NFL quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, and Aaron Rodgers.

Van Pelt noted that Tagovailoa has been improving daily and is more comfortable with the system, play calls, and protection adjustments. Despite missing the initial part of training camp, Tagovailoa has shown significant progress in the last few days. Tagovailoa is aiming to rejuvenate his career after being cut by the Miami Dolphins in March.

He had a disappointing 2025 season, throwing for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 14 games and posting the worst QBR (37.5) of his career. However, he was once a Pro Bowl quarterback with elite efficiency numbers, leading the league in passer rating in 2022 and completion percentage in 2024. If he can regain that form in Atlanta, Tagovailoa could secure a long-term deal with the team.

He won't be lacking support, as the Falcons have a strong roster, including All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson, All-Pro tight end Kyle Pitts, and star wide receiver Drake London. Fans will witness his potential when the team opens preseason play against the Denver Broncos at home on Friday.