Falcons defeat Colts 34-6 as Jack Strand throws for 212 yards in preseason win

Atlanta quarterback performances in Indianapolis

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34-6 on Saturday afternoon, carried by efficient play from their reserve quarterbacks. Veteran Cooper Rush started for Atlanta, completing 10 of 11 passes for 86 yards as the offense scored on five of its first six possessions. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand from Minnesota State Moorhead entered the game late in the second quarter and completed 12 of 17 passes for 212 yards and a passer rating of 132.5. Strand threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Cash Jones before running for a 16-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the third quarter. Atlanta outgained Indianapolis by more than 300 yards (461 to 164 according to Reuters, 464 to 161 per the AP) while adding 164 yards on the ground.

Coaching reactions and roster competition

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski commended the decision-making of both Rush and Strand following the victory.

I thought both those guys made good decisions. There were some unique looks that we got during the game that we haven't seen a ton of in the last week, and I thought they both saw it clearly. The ball went where the ball was supposed to go the majority of the time.

The performance placed Strand back into contention for the third-string quarterback spot behind Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, who both sat out the contest. Penix, the eighth overall pick in 2024, received medical clearance on Thursday and is scheduled to return to 11-on-11 practice on Monday to compete with Tagovailoa for the starting role. Running back Tyler Goodson led Atlanta on the ground with 59 yards on six carries, including a 49-yard touchdown run, while Nathan Carter contributed a 1-yard rushing score. Kicker Nick Folk added a 50-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Indianapolis offensive difficulties

Indianapolis struggled to move the ball, converting 1 of 11 third-down attempts and committing eight penalties for 70 yards. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones did not play as he continues his recovery from a broken bone in his lower left leg and a torn right Achilles tendon. Rookie Riley Leonard played the first half and completed 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards, leading the Colts to two field goals from Spencer Shrader. Colts coach Shane Steichen evaluated Leonard's first-half showing at the break.

I thought he did some good things, definitely some things we can improve on. We've got be better on third down, got to be better on first and second down.

Anthony Richardson took over for the second half, completing 3 of 9 passes for 24 yards while taking two sacks.

Additional Saturday preseason action

Around the league, the Detroit Lions beat the Washington Commanders 17-13 despite resting their regular starters. Lions backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs experienced a turbulent opening period with a strip-sack, an interception, and a 50-yard rushing touchdown. Washington linebacker Joshua Josephs recovered the Dobbs fumble in the end zone for a touchdown just 51 seconds into the contest. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared for one series, throwing one incomplete pass and taking a sack. In Cleveland, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Browns 31-7 behind rookie receiver Ja'Mori Maclin, who recorded 108 receiving yards and a touchdown catch.