On Friday night, the Atlanta Falcons played their first preseason game when they hosted the Denver Broncos.
The Falcons lost by a score of 27-7.
Tua Tagovailoa also made his debut for the franchise.
NFL World Reacts To Tua’s Debut
GettyTua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after their 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos during a NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Here’s what people were saying:
Underdog NFL: “Tua Tagovailoa: 3-of-5 22 passing yards 0 TD, 0 INT Kyle Pitts was targeted on 4 of the 5 attempts.”
@NFLMemes: “Tua first game with the Falcons: 3/5 22 Yards 39.6 QB Rating 2 Punts Malik Willis first game with the Dolphins: 4/5 43 Yards 102.5 Rating TD on very first drive”
Joe Patrick: “Tua Tagovailoa said he was frustrated and disappointed in his own performance in tonight preseason loss to the Broncos. “Not up to standard. Not even up to par.””
@RiseUpReader: “Patience or panic with Tua Tagovailoa?”
GettyTua Tagovailoa #1 of the Atlanta Falcons calls out a play against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of a NFL preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
@terribletiffy12: “As a dolphins fan, seeing falcons fans crash out over Tua is like watching an episode of Maury starring your ex.”
@404SportsGang: “Tua fumbles the snap”
@FBallAnalysisYT: “There’s already a new elite gif in the first half of the first preseason game of the Tua and Penix era Incredible”
@CThomasRadio: “Tua done for the day. Finished 3-5 for 22 yards. Never really had a chance with poor tackle play on both sides.”
Looking At Tua
GettyTua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Tagovailoa was the first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after an incredible college career at Alabama.
He had spent the first six seasons of his pro career on the Miami Dolphins.
In 2023, Tagovailoa led the franchise to the NFL playoffs with an 11-6 record.
Over the offseason, the 28-year-old was released from the Dolphins.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote (on March 9): “Sources: The Dolphins are releasing QB Tua Tagovailoa with a post–June 1 designation. By cutting Tagovailoa, Miami will take on an NFL-record $99 million in dead money, split over two years, but new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and HC Jeff Hafley now get a fresh start at the quarterback position.”
By cutting Tagovailoa, Miami will take on an NFL-record $99 million in dead money, split over two years, but new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and HC Jeff Hafley now get a fresh start at the quarterback
There will certainly be a lot of eyes on Tagovailoa this year.
NFL World Reacts To Tua Tagovailoa’s Atlanta Falcons Debut After Dolphins Release