Why Jack Strand took over as Falcons QB after Cooper Rush's poor day

Cooper Rush has done little to convince onlookers that he is the answer under center for the Falcons. If that wasn't made abundantly clear by a lackluster showing in Atlanta's Week 1 defeat, it most certainly surfaced in Week 2.

Rush fell victim to a barrage of giveaways in the Falcons' matchup with the Panthers. The struggles proved so demoralizing that Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski turned to an unknown proposition at the position late in the game.

With that, here's what you need to know about the Falcons' decision to hand the reins of their offense to undrafted rookie Jack Strand. 

MORE: Live weather updates from Week 2 action around the country

Why Jack Strand took over as Falcons QB

Strand entered the year as Atlanta's fourth-string hurler. Injuries to Tagovailoa and Penix thrust him up the depth chart. The former Minnesota State-Moorhead standout was listed as the Falcons' QB2 heading into Sunday's game.

The 22-year-old watched on from the sidelines as Rush attempted to take down a Panthers defense that conceded 59 points to the Bears last week. Rush's performance left something to be desired. He threw two interceptions and surrendered a fumble in three quarters as Atlanta fell behind by 24.

Rush's performance was an eyesore. With the Falcons unlikely to mount much of a comeback, they opted to turn their attention towards Strand in relief. He, too, suffered, tossing an pick-six to Devin Lloyd on his first pass attempt.