Add The New York Post on Google It’s no secret that the Falcons are in turmoil at the quarterback position.
As third-stringer Cooper Rush logged another disastrous start on Sunday, former No. 2 overall pick Robert Griffin III was among those questioning the state of the Atlanta quarterback room.
“When Cooper Rush and Jack Strand are stinking it up in Atlanta it makes zero sense that QBs like Cam Newton, Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Tannehill and myself aren’t the veteran presence in the room to stabilize teams when their QB goes down,” RGIII posted on X. “These guys were playing for Carolina today.”
Fresno State Bulldogs associate assistant director of strategic communications Savannah Stoeckle, left, and Robert Griffin III watch during the game against the Southern California Trojans, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Rush was pulled in the Week 2 34-3 loss against Carolina after completing 10-of-17 passes for 86 yards and two interceptions, and lost a fumble on the opening drive. Strand was barely an improvement as he threw for 59 yards and an interception.
The Falcons went “all-in” on their offense this past offseason. They brought in new coach Kevin Stefanski alongside Pro-Bowler Tua Tagovailoa on a bargain deal to add a bit of heat to 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
Atlanta faced the worst-case scenario as both quarterbacks were sidelined heading into the season, beginning another year of frustration for young cornerstone pieces Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts.
Griffin spent seven seasons in the NFL, throwing for 9,200 passing yards and 43 touchdowns while completing 63 percent of his passes.
Falcons quarterback Jack Strand (18) is hit as he throws by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jeremiah Moon (56). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect When Cooper Rush and Jack Strand are stinking it up in Atlanta it makes zero sense that QBs like Cam Newton, Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Tannehill and myself aren’t the veteran presence in the room to stabilize teams when their QB goes down. These guys were playing for Carolina today.
The former Heisman Trophy winner looked like a star on the rise after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, but an inability to stay healthy derailed his career.
His last year in pads was the 2020 season, when he served as a backup for the Ravens. He completed 8 of 14 passes for 42 yards and threw two interceptions in four appearances.
Griffin transitioned to TV analysis, spending time in roles with ESPN and Fox Sports.
Atlanta has a short week with a trip to Green Bay for “TNF” and is getting a much-needed boost as Penix Jr. is announced to make his first start this season.
