The Atlanta Falcons are just days away from kicking off the Kevin Stefanski era, as their regular season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be the ultimate litmus test in determining what Falcons team we'll get this season--and that starts with a QB position that's settled (at least for now).
The biggest news entering the opener is that the Falcons named Tua Tagovailoa their Week 1 starter, while Michael Penix Jr. will be a healthy inactive. Unfortunately, hopes aren't very high for the ex-Pro Bowler in this one, as his struggles in camp could derail the season opener (and the season itself).
While Tagovailoa has a chance to turn things around in a better situation in Atlanta, it isn't entirely up to him. The big issue in his career has been staying upright, and in a difficult matchup against a stout Steelers' defense, the Falcons' offensive line will have more impact on how this game goes than Tua.
The Atlanta Falcons' offensive line will determine whether or not they start 1-0
The Falcons are dealing with their share of changes up front. First off, they replaced offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford with living legend Bill Callahan and have a new right tackle in Jawaan Taylor after Kaleb McGary retired, and while they return four of five starters, enough has changed to be concerned.
Since Tua Tagovailoa is left-handed, Jake Matthews (who is entering his age-34 season) won't be protecting his blind side: Taylor will. And given that he was one of the worst-graded tackles in the NFL last season and is frequently being called for pre-snap penalties, it's hard to be encouraged--even if he is better than Elijah WIlkinson.
The Dirty Birds have a talented offensive line, but learning a new system is never easy, and unfortunately, they'll be thrown into the fire at Acrisure Stadium. A date with Pittsburgh's front seven won't make things any easier after the Steelers finished sixth in the NFL with 48 sacks last season.
That number in itself is scary, but then you look at the personnel. T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, and youngsters Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon--and that doesn't account for an elite linebacker room in Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen, and Payton Wilson who can rush the passer too.
For as much as the Atlanta Falcons' offensive success in Pittsburgh will revolve around Tua Tagovailoa overcoming his limitations, it also falls on the offensive line to keep this pass-rush in check.
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