While we are still very early in the Atlanta Falcons quarterback competition, it is fair to say Tua Tagovailoa has taken the early advantage based simply on health and experience. Michael Penix Jr. is still working his way back from last season's injury and doesn't offer the starting experience or resume of the former Miami Dolphins starter. This in no way is an endorsement of starting Tua, but reading between the lines of early Atlanta pressers and looking at the real possibility of Tagovailoa stepping under center as the Week 1 starter.
The Falcons may have little hope of things turning around if this is the case, based on how things ended in Miami. However, Tagovailoa would be far from the first prized prospect to see things come to an end with his first franchise, only to succeed in a new landing spot. Leading us to look at three examples of players who have been in Tagovailoa's situation and found a way to become stars.
1. Sam Darnold
The New York Jets were sold on Darnold as the future of the franchise before punting on the quarterback and turning to even worse answers. This led to the quarterback spending time with the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers, struggling at each landing spot. Darnold followed these tenures by winning double-digit games for the Minnesota Vikings and still being kicked to the curb in favor of the underwhelming J.J. McCarthy.
Fast forward a year, and Darnold is a Super Bowl champion, making timely throws and leaning on an incredible pass rush and group of playmakers to get the job done. If there is one path to the Falcons defying all expectations, it is this type of run from Tua, with the quarterback having both the playmakers and pass-rushing talent to go on a similar run.
2. Baker Mayfield
While the Falcons might not appreciate Mayfield in the way much of the league does due to the rivalry, there is no underestimating the quarterback's accomplishments. The Cleveland Browns pushed Mayfield out due to performance and injury concerns in favor of signing up for years of Deshaun Watson. Mayfield joined the Carolina Panthers briefly before finding a home in Tampa Bay and guiding the Bucs to consistent division titles despite being tasked with the impossible of replacing Tom Brady.
The playoff wins might not be there, but Mayfield consistently has the team in contention and is an obvious franchise answer for the Bucs. As much as Atlanta fans hate to admit it, they would be relieved to find similar production from Tagovailoa.
3. Ryan Tannehill
This comparison fits perfectly in the fact that Tannehill was a Miami starter as well; the franchise punted on. Tannehill would land with the Titans and lead the franchise on unexpected playoff runs, helping keep Mike Vrabel's team consistently in the hunt. It was the type of turnaround that Atlanta fans would again welcome, and established Tannehill in elite circles for a very short three-year run.
As short-lived as the impressive seasons were, there is no denying that Tannehill made the move from Miami look foolish why the Titans were consistently playoff contenders, and this included beating Brady in his final game as a Patriot. No question, this is the type of miracle turnaround Atlanta fans are hoping for if Tua is named the starter.
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