The preseason always has a way of turning the fringe guys into the most important names on the board, and that’s exactly where three Atlanta Falcons players sit right now. For Jack Strand, JD Bertrand and Bralen Trice, these exhibition games aren’t just tune-ups. They’re the kind of stretch that can decide whether the season keeps moving forward or stops cold.
Strand is the most intriguing case because the path isn’t closed yet. The undrafted quarterback is in a decent spot even before the games begin, since missing the roster wouldn’t necessarily end his chances - he’d still be a strong practice-squad option.
But his preseason work could carry real weight, especially with the Falcons possibly keeping three quarterbacks because of the injury history at the top of the depth chart. If a team wants a high-upside No.
3, Atlanta looks like a natural fit.
He’s also in a direct battle with veteran backup Cooper Rush. Rush brings the steady reputation of a quarterback who has won games.
Strand brings something different: size, athleticism and arm talent that make him easy to notice. If Strand earns the No. 3 job, he could even see regular-season action.
That’s not the kind of opportunity most UDFAs get, and it would mean even more if it comes after beating out a player with Rush’s track record.
Bertrand’s situation is much more straightforward, and that’s what makes it so tense. The new regime has already shown it won’t cling to disappointing draft picks from the previous staff, which is why his active status stands out in the first place.
Troy Andersen was released because of injury issues, but Bertrand’s problem is his performance. Last season, he was forced into a starting role after Divine Deablo got hurt, and the results were rough.
Now the margin for error is tiny. If Bertrand doesn’t show better play on defense, he could be gone quickly, special teams value or not. That’s the reality facing him as these preseason games unfold.
Trice is fighting a different kind of battle. The former third-round pick still hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game, and there’s still hope he can become the player he was in college.
But hope only goes so far. Cunningham won’t hesitate to move on if Trice doesn’t produce in the preseason or if he gets hurt.
For Trice, the assignment is simple: do enough to give the front office and coaching staff a reason to keep him around. That’s the line he has to cross before anything else matters.
In Other News...
Falcons Rookie Hype Is Facing An Early Camp Reality Check
The first two weeks of Falcons training camp have offered a useful reminder that early buzz is only part of the story. Rookie receiver Zachariah Branch has flashed enough to keep attention on him, but his reps have not matched the excitement, and Atlanta has leaned more on veteran Olamide Zaccheus as it works through the slot picture. For a team trying to sort out its passing-game mix, that kind of pecking order can say plenty before the preseason even starts.
Zaccheus has been making the most of his opportunity in practice, while Branch is still fighting for a clearer lane into the offense. The wrinkle for both is schematic as much as personnel-driven, since the Falcons are expected to lean on looks that do not feature many three-receiver sets. That leaves Branch facing an early camp reality that is less about hype and more about earning the snaps that will decide how quickly he fits into the rotation. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Preseason Debut Raised Two Early Concerns Fans Cant Ignore
The Falcons opened the preseason with a 27-7 loss to the Broncos, and the result came with a pair of familiar August concerns attached to it. Atlanta did get a first look at Tua Tagovailoa in game action, and the offense had a few moments of rhythm, with veteran receiver Chris Blair finishing as the teams leading receiver with 37 yards.
What stood out more, though, was how often Denver kept the Falcons from looking comfortable at the line of scrimmage. Atlantas pass rush had a hard time making life difficult for Jarrett Stidham, leaving the defense searching for answers after a night that offered more questions than encouraging signs. [Read more 🡒]