Falcons preseason opener goes viral after Penix-Tagovailoa sideline exchange
Fox News reported that a brief sideline exchange between quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and backup Tua Tagovailoa during the Atlanta Falcons' preseason game against the Denver Broncos on August 14 went viral on social media. NBC Sports said Tagovailoa was slated to start the preseason matchup while head coach Kevin Stefanski had not yet named a Week 1 starter. The outlet also noted that Penix was still rehabbing a torn ACL and Tagovailoa was dealing with a back issue, leaving the regular-season starter role undecided. nfl.
com reported that the Falcons' first offensive series under Tagovailoa ended in a three-and-out and that Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman gained 24 yards on four carries. NBC Sports detailed Tagovailoa's modest stat line of three completions on five attempts for 22 yards, two punts and a recovered fumble on a shotgun snap. Bleacher Report said Tagovailoa was replaced by Cooper Rush after the game. Later, NBC Sports quoted Tagovailoa saying he must improve and earn more playing time in upcoming contests.
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