If the first preseason game of the Kevin Stefanski era is any indication for how the 2026 season will go, it’s about to be a long fall.
The Atlanta Falcons opened the 2026 preseason with a 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos on Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Denver jumped out to a 24-0 halftime lead and controlled the game for much of the night, while Atlanta’s offense struggled to consistently move the football. The Broncos finished with 337 total yards compared to just 165 for Atlanta, including a 139-48 advantage on the ground. Denver also held the edge in time of possession, 30:05 to 20:35.
The biggest storyline entering the game was Tua Tagovailoa making his preseason debut as the Falcons’ starting quarterback. Tagovailoa played two series and completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards, with four of his five attempts going to tight end Kyle Pitts, who finished with four catches for 22 yards.
Cooper Rush then took over and provided some of Atlanta’s better offensive moments, particularly on a lengthy second-quarter drive that reached the Denver 7-yard line before ending in a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown. Rookie Jack Strand eventually provided Atlanta’s lone touchdown, rushing for a one-yard score while completing 4 of 6 passes for 35 yards.
One of the brightest performances for Atlanta came from wide receiver Chris Blair. The fourth-year receiver made several impressive plays, including a difficult 21-yard reception, and led all Falcons receivers with 37 yards. Dylan Drummond, Chris Blair, Vinny Anthony II and rookie Zachariah Branch all saw opportunities during Rush’s second-quarter drive, giving Atlanta’s coaching staff valuable film in several roster battles. Tyler Goodson also received extended work in the backfield with Bijan Robinson sitting out and Brian Robinson Jr. playing only the first two series.
Defensively, Atlanta struggled to slow Denver’s offense early, while the Broncos’ defense created two turnovers. Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham completed 9 of 15 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, while cornerback Jahdae Barron delivered the game’s biggest play with a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Atlanta ultimately managed only 48 rushing yards and averaged 2.5 yards per carry, underscoring the offense’s struggles in the opener. Still, with starters playing limited snaps and Michael Penix Jr. remaining sidelined as he works back from his injury, the preseason is more about evaluating roster battles than the final score. Atlanta will get another opportunity to build momentum when it faces the Indianapolis Colts on August 22.
