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Falcons to Start Cooper Rush Again Against Panthers
Confirmed
In Short: Third-string quarterback Cooper Rush will start for the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener against the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Third-string quarterback Cooper Rush will again take the field for the Atlanta Falcons as they open their home season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 1 p.m. Rookie Jack Strand, who has gained attention for his preseason performances, will serve as Rush's backup.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision Friday, stating, 'Cooper will start. Jack will be the backup.' Despite Rush's less-than-stellar performance in the Falcons' season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw two interceptions, Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have decided to stick with him.
In the first game, Rush was 12 of 22 for 143 yards with a touchdown to star running back Bijan Robinson, who accounted for 173 of the Falcons' 238 total yards. The Steelers capitalized on both of Rush's interceptions, turning them into touchdowns.
The Falcons' decision to keep Rush as the starter comes as rookie quarterback Sam Howell and veteran Ian Book remain sidelined. While former Notre Dame quarterback Phil Jurkovec is also on the roster, he has not been mentioned as a potential starter.
The Panthers, who were torched for 59 points and 552 total yards by the Chicago Bears in Week 1, present a formidable challenge. With a lot of frustration to release on the field, the Falcons will need a strong performance from Rush to avoid an eighth consecutive opening day loss.
What's confirmed
- Third-string quarterback Cooper Rush will again take the field for the Atlanta Falcons as they open their home season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 1 p.m. Rookie Jack Strand, who has gained attention for his preseason performances, will serve as Rush's backup.
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the decision Friday, stating, 'Cooper will start. Jack will be the backup.' Despite Rush's less-than-stellar performance in the Falcons' season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw two interceptions, Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have decided to stick with him.
- In the first game, Rush was 12 of 22 for 143 yards with a touchdown to star running back Bijan Robinson, who accounted for 173 of the Falcons' 238 total yards. The Steelers capitalized on both of Rush's interceptions, turning them into touchdowns.
- The Falcons' decision to keep Rush as the starter comes as rookie quarterback Sam Howell and veteran Ian Book remain sidelined. While former Notre Dame quarterback Phil Jurkovec is also on the roster, he has not been mentioned as a potential starter.
- The Panthers, who were torched for 59 points and 552 total yards by the Chicago Bears in Week 1, present a formidable challenge. With a lot of frustration to release on the field, the Falcons will need a strong performance from Rush to avoid an eighth consecutive opening day loss.
What's still developing
- (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons ended another week’s worth of uncertainty on Friday about who will be taking the field at arguably professional football’s most crucial position this Sunday.
- Rush, who had started in place of an injured Dak Prescott at times for the Dallas Cowboys, had a forgettable showing in Atlanta's opener.
- Should Rush deliver another lackluster showing, the Falcons will hope Penix or Tagovailoa is cleared because otherwise it might be worth considering Strand.
- "But I do feel really good, and we're taking strides each and every day." With Rush getting the nod, Jack Strand will presumably occupy the backup role once again in Week 2.
- This may not be a good time to cross paths with the Panthers defense, though, as they'll have a lot of frustration to release on the field.
- At least one is taking positive steps as Atlanta prepares to host the Carolina Panthers for its home opener, as Penix was once again a full participant at the Falcons' practice on Thursday, Sept. 17.
- Or will the Falcons once again start third-stringer Cooper Rush to give the 2024 first-round pick more time to work back to full strength?
- Penix officially logged full participation at Falcons practice on Thursday, according to their official injury report.