Tua Tagovailoa Calls Falcons Debut 'Not Up to Standard' in Blowout Loss
Atlanta's new starter, signed as a free agent after Miami released him in March, went 3 of 5 for 22 yards and fumbled a snap in a 27-7 preseason loss to Denver.
Tua Tagovailoa made his Atlanta Falcons debut in Thursday's 27-7 preseason loss to the Denver Broncos, going 3 of 5 for 22 yards across two series and fumbling a snap he recovered himself. "Definitely not up to standard, not even up to par," Tagovailoa said afterward.
How did he end up in Atlanta?
Miami released Tagovailoa in March 2026, absorbing roughly $99.2 million in dead cap space. He signed a one-year, veteran-minimum deal worth $1.3 million with the Falcons as a free agent.
What did he say about the performance?
Tagovailoa said the showing "is not a reflection of the hard work" the offense has put in during camp, targeting tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. on all four of his throws.
How did the rest of the game go?
Denver scored 24 unanswered points, including a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Jahdae Barron off a tipped pass. Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham went 9 of 13 for 131 yards and a touchdown in the win, Denver's eighth straight preseason victory dating to 2023.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa frustrated, disappointed with play in preseason loss to Broncos
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