TheAtlanta Falcons are waitingto choose their starting quarterback until the last possible moment pointing to a frustrating truth. Tua Tagovailoa had a clear runway to take the starting job and was so underwhelming the Falcons are considering starting Michael Penix Jr., who didn't play in the preseason and has just recently be cleared due to last season's injury. With this in mind, Falcons fans couldn't help but pay attention to the weekend performance of Arch Manning.
Many expect the Texas quarterback to be the first quarterback selected in the 2027 draft, and this weekend's debut showed exactly why. Manning went 20/27 with 305 passing yards and four touchdowns in a dominating performance. It is important to note that this was in a home opener against Texas State.
Still, Manning made every needed throw and showed off an NFL arm that could prove to be the answer to Atlanta's ongoing issue at the position. The one caveat here is pointing out Penix still has shown flashes of being a capable option and could change Atlanta's outlook when it comes to the need to add to the position.
This is simply appreciating the debut of the top prospect and pointing out the clear fit if Atlanta's upcoming season doesn't go as hoped. If it does prove to be a lost year, the franchise has an obvious answer to target.
Falcons Should Keep a Close Eye on Arch Manning if 2026 Season Goes Awry
Manning is going to need to prove he is capable of delivering in big spots and not simply piling up numbers against lesser schools. Still, this was an incredible start, and if Atlanta's season doesn't go according to plan gives the franchise a prospect to focus on and attach hope to. The hope remains that Penix or a surprise option steps into the role and the Falcons find a way to contend.
The counter to this is that another 6-7 win season is a negative, with the franchise either needing to turn a corner or tank in hopes of finding a franchise-changing quarterback. It needs to be one extreme or the other, and not a continued inability to get out of neutral.
The Falcons are long overdue for a bit of good luck; whether this proves to be tanking and finding a franchise answer or simply going on an unexpected run remains to be seen. What cannot be debated is what a great debut this was for Manning and how fun the Texas alum could be in Atlanta.
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