Atlanta Falcons name Tua Tagovailoa as starting quarterback for Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa the starting quarterback for the team's Week 1 game. Tagovailoa beat out Michael Penix Jr. for the position following a preseason competition. While the team possesses long-term interest in the development of Penix, the rookie quarterback indicated he was not fully prepared to play at the start of the season. Tagovailoa enters the role supported by a roster that includes Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Jahan Dotson, Zachariah Branch, and Bijan Robinson. The coaching staff plans to tailor the offensive scheme to fit Tagovailoa’s skill set as he aims to secure a future contract. Tagovailoa faces pressure to demonstrate high-end performance to maintain the starting spot, as the organization continues to evaluate its long-term quarterback situation.

• 7:18 PMYahoo Sports — Breaking down what the decision to start Tua Tagovailoa means for the Falcons and players involved