Falcons starting Cooper Rush in Week 2 would signal clear tanking

The Atlanta Falcons appear likely tostart Cooper Rush in Week 2 against a Carolina Panthers roster coming off an incredibly impressive offensive showing. Not only does Bryce Young have a great history against the Falcons, but the quarterback passed for a trio of touchdown passes to go along with 361 passing yards in Week 1 and a clear level of play that should have the full attention of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and the Falcon defense.

Opting to start Cooper Rush after the debacle that fans were forced to watch in Week 1 shows you don't care about winning. Whether it is adding a surprise veteran or throwing Jack Strand on the field, you simply cannot do anything but improve at the position. Even a slightly below-average quarterback would've won the game against the Steelers.

Rush was a double agent, doing his very best to keep Pittsburgh in control and push the Falcons to their first loss of the season. No question, there is no way around the fact that Atlanta isn't serious about attempting to win games if they put Rush back into the starting lineup. The franchise scouting quarterbacks along with starting Rush in a second straight week would very much signal a tanking effort.

You're not watching Rush play at the level he did a week ago and coming away believing that you can start the veteran the following week. It doesn't matter who the next option on the depth chart might be you're only able to complete screen passes and dealing with a lack of mobility and turnovers already.

Falcons will Signal Clear Tanking Effort if Franchise Opts to Start Cooper Rush in Second Straight Week

Rush taking the field leaves Atlanta fans no reason to suffer through another game where the result is all but decided. It reaches a new low at a position where you have already started a trio of Desmond Ridder, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota in recent years. Any of this trio being an inarguable upgrade over Rush points to just how awful the signal caller has been and the need to make a change at the position.

Atlanta needs to consider making a change that at least gives the fanbase a hint of hope. Whether it is pushing Penix to get back on the field or finding a way to design a plan for rookie Jack Strand, there simply isn't a situation where Rush should be on the field as a starter again.

Making this choice signals a lack of care and an inability to read the room. If the Falcons are going to move in this direction, it shouldn't be debated that they are clearly tanking and showing little care for a fanbase tired of a losing organization.

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