Michael Penix Jr. may take over as Falcons' starting QB amid Tua Tagovailoa's performance issues

<p>Tua Tagovailoa's performance with the Atlanta Falcons has raised concerns, leading to speculation that Michael Penix Jr. may be positioned to take over as the starting quarterback sooner than anticipated. Tagovailoa joined the Falcons after being released by the Miami Dolphins before the current season, with the team's initial plan being for him to perform well in head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense while Penix, recovering from an ACL injury, took additional time to heal.</p><p>According to ESPN/NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the starting quarterback position is now seen as Michael Penix's to lose due to Tagovailoa's inconsistent performance during training camp and the first preseason game.</p><p>Rapoport stated, "It really seemed that the goal of the entire organization was to have Tua be the starting quarterback right away to start the season. Let Michael Penix come along slow. …Really you’d like him to be inactive for the first several games and really just take his time and make sure he’s fully healthy." Tagovailoa's performance at camp has not distinguished him from other quarterbacks, as he completed 3-of-5 passes for 22 yards in the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos before the coaching staff shifted focus to Jack Strand and Cooper Rush for the remainder of the game.</p><p>Rapoport added, "Tua’s play made that impossible, not just in the preseason game, which we’ve seen, but it sounds like practice as well. All of which is to say, this is Michael Penix’s job for the taking." The Falcons had hoped that a fresh start for Tagovailoa would lead to a competitive training camp for the starting position. However, with Penix returning to practice this week and sharing first-team reps, the organization is now looking to ensure he is confident and healthy enough to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1.</p><p>Stefanski commented, "Everything we do around this building is competing. I know it’s easy to say, ‘position battles,’ and those types of things, but we’re constantly competing. That’s not the focus for our guys. Our guys are pushing each other by showing up and putting in the work." Tagovailoa's performance in the upcoming preseason game against the Dolphins may influence his chances of securing the starting role.</p><p>The Falcons face a critical decision regarding the starting quarterback position ahead of their September 13 kickoff against the Steelers.</p>