Falcons Recap: New starting EDGE, Tua Tagovailoa on hot seat?

The Atlanta Falcons bolstered their pass rush by signing three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Za Darius Smith to a one-year contract. The 34-year-old veteran, who recorded 343 tackles, 70.5 sacks, and 176 QB hits over his career, should provide a significant boost to the Falcons' defense. However, the signing is not expected to solve all of the team's pass-rushing woes.

The signing came shortly after Tua Tagovailoa's disappointing debut in the preseason, raising questions about his place as the team's starting quarterback. Tagovailoa's performance, which included a below-average average per attempt and limited downfield passing, led CBS Sports to label him as one player on the Falcons who is on the hot seat.

Despite the concerns surrounding Tagovailoa, head coach Kevin Stefanski praised undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Strand's performance in his NFL debut. Stefanski commended Strand's first-time performance, calling it a testament to his tenacity and ability to step up early in camp. Strand went 6/12 for 50 yards, with no interceptions or touchdowns, and posted a 61.1 passer rating. While not a perfect performance, it was the best the Falcons received from their starting quarterback during preseason games.

The Falcons also released their updated depth chart, with right tackle Jawaan Taylor returning to the first-string lineup. The team's defensive starting lineup projection includes Za Darius Smith as the EDGE and Avieon Terrell starting at the nickel. The article concludes by highlighting that neither QB, Tua Tagovailoa or Jack Strand, will play in the upcoming preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.