Falcons reveal Tua Tagovailoa expectation for 2026

The Atlanta Falcons under Kevin Stefanski will be a fascinating watch in 2026 as the NFC franchise looks to make that leap from also-rans to playoff contender.

They have the weapons, and now with Tua Tagovailoa potentially being the starter, they might have a quarterback too.

But there is a sense of proving the world wrong in Atlanta, as both Stefanski and Tua are coming from teams that let them go. That isn't easy to come back from.

However, make no mistake, Stefanski is confident Tua will bounce back in the right way.

"There's something to be said when you're fired," Stefanski said via NFL.com. "I can attest to that. You want to prove people wrong. You have a chip on your shoulder. I think where I'm coming into this, where Tua's coming into this is, listen, this is not exactly how you thought it would go, but guess what, that's the reality, and how are we gonna respond?

"I think that's what he's made of. You look back his career, you look back at his college career, he's responded."

More: Jets reveal key 3-word message on Geno Smith

Tua to start Week 1?

Well, he's every chance to.

With Michael Penix Jr. still recovering from his ACL injury, Tua is likely to get first-look in the offseason program to work with the first-team.

If Tua shines and looks comfortable, then you could make the case that he will be the starter in 2026.

Of course, much of this depends on how quickly Penix can return from his injury, because the longer it takes, the more reps and the more comfortable Tua will get in Stefanski's system.

It will be an interesting watch over the coming months to see how the Falcons' quarterback room develops, and as far as who will start in Week 1, well, it's up for debate right now.

More NFL news:

• Chiefs' Andy Reid provides eyebrow-raising Patrick Mahomes injury update
• Chiefs reveal perfect rationale for Justin Fields signing
• Falcons' Kevin Stefanski reveals interesting Michael Penix Jr. injury update
• Ravens reveal 1 huge Trey Hendrickson benefit
• Ravens' reason for hope down to 1 key player 
• Analyst makes bold Falcons prediction for Tua Tagovailoa
• Chiefs' Andy Reid reveals 5-word Kenneth Walker scouting report