INDIANAPOLIS , IN— Cooper Rush and Jack Strand made the most of their opportunities Saturday night, combining for an impressive performance as the Atlanta Falcons rolled past the Indianapolis Colts 34-6.
With many of Atlanta’s regulars, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, held out following two physical joint practices with Indianapolis, Rush and Strand provided plenty of offense. The Falcons scored on five of their first six possessions and finished with 461 total yards, compared with just 164 for the Colts.
The victory also ended Atlanta’s eight-game preseason losing streak.
Rush, who joined the Falcons last month, completed 10 of 11 passes for 86 yards before giving way to Strand. The undrafted rookie continued the strong quarterback play, finishing 12 of 17 for 212 yards and a touchdown while also running for a score.
Together, the two quarterbacks completed 16 of their first 17 attempts.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski praised both players afterward, particularly their decision-making and ability to carry what they’ve shown in practice into game action.
“I thought Jack continued to take the practice field to the game field, and I thought Cooper really made good decisions,” Stefanski said.
Penix Set to Return to Team Drills
The biggest development for Atlanta, however, came after the game.
Stefanski announced that Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared to participate in 11-on-11 work and will return to team drills Monday.
“He is cleared, he is cleared for 11-on-11,” Stefanski said. “He’ll practice Monday in team periods.”
Penix started nine games for Atlanta last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The 2024 first-round selection has been limited to individual position work and seven-on-seven drills while continuing his rehabilitation.
His return comes at an important time for the Falcons, particularly after Tagovailoa experienced some struggles during the team’s joint practices with Indianapolis.
Penix said Thursday that he expected to speak with his doctor about his next step in the recovery process.
Atlanta Controls the Game
The Falcons established control early.
Former Colts running back Tyler Goodson broke loose for a 49-yard touchdown run, giving Atlanta a 10-3 advantage. Nathan Carter later scored on a 1-yard touchdown run before Strand connected with Cash for a 13-yard touchdown.
By halftime, Atlanta had built a commanding 24-6 lead.
Strand added another touchdown on the opening possession of the second half, scrambling 16 yards for the score. Nick Folk then capped the scoring with a 50-yard field goal on the opening play of the fourth quarter.
Goodson finished with six carries for 59 yards.
Atlanta also controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the night, rushing for 164 yards while limiting Indianapolis to only nine first downs.
The Colts committed eight penalties for 70 yards, further contributing to a frustrating evening.
Colts’ Backup Quarterback Competition Remains Open
Indianapolis continues to search for the best option behind Daniel Jones.
Riley Leonard started and played the first half, completing 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards. He endured considerable pressure but guided the Colts to their only points of the game, with both scoring drives ending in field goals.
Anthony Richardson took over after halftime but struggled to generate offense. The 2023 first-round pick completed only 3 of 9 passes for 24 yards and was sacked twice.
Richardson had also started Indianapolis’ preseason opener, when he threw an interception and lost a fumble.
The two quarterbacks combined to convert just one of 11 third-down opportunities.
Steichen said the competition remains unresolved.
“It’s still ongoing,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of belief and faith in both of those guys, so we’ll keep that going.”
Jones, meanwhile, has yet to play this preseason as he continues his return from a broken bone in his left leg and a torn right Achilles tendon.
Steichen indicated that Indianapolis plans to get its starters on the field for next week’s preseason finale.
Colts’ Kicking Battle Tightens
The competition at kicker also remains unsettled.
Spencer Shrader, who opened last season strongly before suffering a season-ending knee injury, made field goals from 48 and 53 yards Saturday.
Blake Grupe, who was signed late last season and had appeared to have an advantage heading into the preseason, missed a 38-yard attempt wide right.
Steichen said the competition remains very much alive.
“I think that’s ongoing, but both those guys are starting kickers in this league,” he said. “So it’s going to be a big decision for us.”
What’s Next:
Falcons: Atlanta will finish the preseason Friday night at Miami.
Colts: Indianapolis returns home next Saturday to host Detroit in the preseason finale.
