The Atlanta Falcons being forcedto watch Cooper Rush in the first game of the season resulted in a level of play that left fans wishing for years past. This is quite an accomplishment when you consider the ugly options the Falcons have leaned on over the last four seasons. Atlanta has been unable to find stability since Matt Ryan, leading to fans having an incredibly high level of frustration. It is founded based on front office moves and a complete failure to put together a quarterback room capable of offering what the talent of the roster deserves.
With this in mind, let's look at pieces Atlanta should've started in Week 1 over Rush. Players fans would rather see line up at the quarterback position, even if it isn't their natural starting role. Starting with a back who was already asked to do far too much.
1. Bijan Robinson
It is impossible to believe you wouldn't be better off putting the ball directly in the hands of Robinson and giving the back a split second more to create. Robinson was the lone source of offense, and simply snapping it directly to the back would've been a clear upgrade. Considering that Rush was unable to complete a ball past the sticks, it is also doubtful that Bijan isn't able to match the passing production of the veteran backup.
Any way you look at it, running a wildcat offense with Robinson is far more entertaining as opposed to watching Rush. At least you have hope of an explosive play happening, and T.J. Watt isn't going to take the ball away and score a game-sealing touchdown.
2. Jack Strand
The only argument against throwing Strand on the field is the idea that somehow you might ruin the young quarterback by throwing him out too soon. It doesn't matter when you're the fourth quarterback rostered and coming in as an undrafted rookie. Strand being thrown in the fire gives the Falcons a wildcard and a clear reason to watch.
Strand being thrown onto the field would offer a far more entertaining brand of football, with the ability to move the quarterback and at least keep the defense honest. There simply isn't a valid argument to have kept Strand sidelined based on what we watched in Week 1.
3. Matt Ryan
This is obviously somewhat in jest, as the retired signal caller is in a front office position and long removed from his playing days. However, there is no debate that fans believe even this ancient version of the quarterback would've been an upgrade over Rush. It was an ugly display in a game that would've been won by Atlanta with anything close to capable quarterback play.
Ryan, even in the late stage of his career, showed an ability to deliver in the clutch and find ways to keep the sticks moving. It is a safe bet that even this version of the quarterback could've given the Falcons a better chance.
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