The Atlanta Falcons routed the Indianapolis Colts 34-6 on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, snapping an eight-game preseason losing streak behind sharp performances from quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. The Falcons, coming off a rough 27-7 loss to Denver in their opener, took control early, scoring on five of their first six drives and outgaining Indianapolis 461 yards to 164.
Quarterbacks shine in Penix's absence
With Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa sitting out, Rush and Strand made the most of extended playing time. Rush completed 10 of 11 passes for 86 yards, while Strand, an undrafted rookie from Division III Minnesota State-Moorhead, went 12 of 17 for 212 yards and a touchdown, adding a 16-yard scoring run. Together, the two completed 16 of their first 17 throws.
Strand's standout performance included an 8-for-8 start with 155 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 36-yard pass to Juice Wells. He also led the Falcons on scores on three of his six drives, including touchdowns on his first two possessions. The Falcons only kept two quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster last season, and Strand's continued strong play could force a decision.
The Falcons' other quarterbacks were expected to rest, with coach Kevin Stefanski saying starters would play in the first and third preseason games. Tagovailoa, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract in the offseason, has struggled in joint practices and was shaky in the preseason opener, being intercepted several times by Colts defenders.
Penix cleared for team drills
The bigger story may be Penix's return. Stefanski confirmed after the game that Penix has been cleared to practice fully and will participate in 11-on-11 team periods Monday for the first time since undergoing left ACL surgery in November. Penix, who started nine games last season before a knee injury ended his year, had been limited to individual and 7-on-7 work since OTAs.
Penix has had three ACL surgeries, tearing his right ACL twice in college. He said Thursday he planned to speak with his doctor and received good news. Quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt had said the quarterback competition between Penix and Tagovailoa could not really begin until Penix was cleared, so the battle will now start in earnest Monday.
Stefanski did not say whether Penix would play in the final preseason game Friday at Miami, though Tagovailoa is expected to play.
Colts' backup issues exposed
For the Colts, the loss highlighted concerns about their depth. Riley Leonard started and completed 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards in the first half, while Anthony Richardson went 3 of 9 for only 24 yards and 15 rushing yards. The pair combined to go 1 of 11 on third downs.
Coach Shane Steichen said the backup quarterback competition between Leonard and Richardson remains ongoing behind starter Daniel Jones. Both quarterbacks failed to move the offense, and the Colts' backup offensive line struggled throughout.
The Colts also had issues on special teams. Spencer Shrader made field goals of 48 and 53 yards in the game, while Blake Grupe missed a 38-yard attempt. Shrader has been perfect on four attempts in preseason; Grupe has missed both his tries. According to reports, Grupe has been hitting around 90% of his kicks in practice while Shrader sits near 70%.
On the bright side for Indianapolis, Tyler Goodson broke loose for a 49-yard touchdown run to finish with 59 yards on six carries.
Falcons add defensive tackle
Before the game, the Falcons signed former Colts defensive tackle Eric Johnson II. Johnson, a fifth-round pick in 2022, spent his first two seasons with Indianapolis, a year with the New England Patriots, and returned to the Colts last season, recording six tackles in 12 games. He has appeared in 51 career games with 41 tackles and one sack.
The move was likely prompted by Anterio Thompson remaining on the non-football injury list, leaving the Falcons thin at defensive tackle. Johnson reunites with Falcons defensive line coach Nate Ollie, who worked with him in Indianapolis. The team also had other standout defensive performances, with Carlos Allen Jr. making noise on the line, and Keshawn Banks, who had five sacks in the UFL last season, outplaying Azeez Ojulari.
Looking ahead
The Falcons' 53-man roster must be set next Sunday. Their final preseason game is Friday at Miami, where Stefanski said starters would play. The Colts have one more preseason game before opening the regular season Sept. 13.