INDIANAPOLIS — After a pair of joint practices during the week, the Atlanta Falcons clashed with the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday for their second of three preseason games ahead of the 2026 season.
A good performance on Day 2 of practice carried over into Saturday's exhibition match, and the Falcons looked like a team making strides as Week 1 quickly approaches.
Reserve quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Jack Strand were nearly flawless in the first half, combining to complete 14 of their 15 pass attempts for 137 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Tyler Goodson carried the ball six times for 59 yards, including a 49-yard house call, while fellow running back Nathan Carter scored a short-yardage touchdown of his own.
The Falcons carried that fast start through halftime and added to their total with a pristine four-play drive to start the third quarter, ending with an 18-yard touchdown scramble by Strand. Many players had standout individual performances, and the cumulative result was a welcome sight that showed real growth from the team's first preseason game.
Final score: 34-6
Why it's important: Starters took the bulk of the reps in the team's two joint practices with the Colts throughout the week. Those recaps can be found here: Day 1, Day 2.
So, Saturday's game was reserved solely for the second- and third-team. Roster cut downs are scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, which means many of the players seeing action in this game are prime candidates for roster conversations, whether that be making the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Key takeaway: There was much hand-wringing on social media about the team's play in the first preseason game, a 27-7 loss to the Denver Broncos, but Saturday's game should calm those concerns. The Falcons looked like a focused group from the jump, and they executed at a high level throughout the afternoon.
That was particularly true in the trenches. Atlanta's offensive line created big running lanes for their backs, and they protected the quarterbacks well, allowing for several deep shots downfield. It was an encouraging performance from the group after head coach Kevin Stefanski challenged them a bit before Thursday's practice.
"I think our protection needs to clean up in a lot of areas," Stefanski said. "The quarterback, obviously, plays a role in that as well. So one of our focuses is getting our protection better today, from a technical standpoint as much as anything. And then, pitch and catch with the quarterback and the receivers."
The Falcons' offensive line opened up wide holes, while the defensive line simply refused to be moved. As was the case on Thursday, Atlanta's defensive front was aggressive and constantly applied pressure upfield. This allowed the Falcons' linebackers to operate cleanly and rack up tackles, and the secondary to play tight coverage to complement the pressure.
Trench play is an area of emphasis for the Falcons' leadership group, and Saturday was a positive indicator of growth.
Key moment: Tyler Goodson let the offensive line part the way for him at the line of scrimmage. He kicked into gear when he reached the second level of the defense. Stuck his foot in the ground and changed direction, making a defender miss. Then, he was off to the races, reaching the endzone for the first touchdown of the day — a 49-yard touchdown run.
As much as the moment was a statement for Goodson (more on that in the next section), it was also a moment that showed a spark of life in the Falcons as starters raced onto the field from the sideline. Drake London, Matthew Bergeron and Bijan Robinson among the first to meet Goodson in the endzone. Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell not too far behind. Heck, even newly signed edge rusher Za'Darius Smith made his way onto the field.
It was a celebration worth a penalty flag for unsportsmanlike conduct, but when the camera turned to Kevin Stefanski, he just smiled as he looked on.
It was a moment that breathed life into the Falcons, and it carried over to the defense's next drive. A few plays by Sydney Brown, Kendal Daniels and Carlos Allen Jr. brought together a short drive that ended in a field goal forced.
All in all, it was a moment that meant a lot to the Falcons' first-half performance but overall, too, towards team camaraderie.
Standout performance: Given how good Saturday's performance was, let's spotlight a standout player from each half.
Goodson gets the nod for the first half after an electrifying display. In typical fashion, Goodson was elusive in the hole, explosive in the open field and ran with an attitude against his former team. His 49-yard touchdown run in the first quarter will be on the short list of best preseason highlights, and Goodson deserves to be on the short list for most consistent players in training camp.
Jack Strand is the standout performer for the second half, and it's impressive how well he played after limited work during the joint sessions. His day began late in the second quarter, and the undrafted rookie put together a spotless first series that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back Cash Jones. Strand also scored on an 18-yard scramble in the third quarter. He finished the game 12 of 17 through the air with 212 passing yards and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing).
Number to know: 30, that's just about how many players Atlanta didn't suit up to play Saturday.
Here's a snapshot of those individuals as taken note pregame:
Offense: Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr. Jahan Dotson, Drake London, Olamide Zaccheaus, Kyle Pitts, Austin Hooper, Charlie Woerner, Chris Lindstrom, Ryan Neuzil, Matthew Bergeron, Jake Matthews, Jawaan Taylor
Defense: Samson Ebukam, Brandon Dorlus, Da'Shawn Hand, (newly signed) Za'Darius Smith, Maason Smith, LaCale London, Cam Thomas, Divine Deablo, Jessie Bates III, Xavier Watts, Aveion Terrell, Mike Hughes, A.J. Terrell and Billy Bowman Jr.
Injury updates:
- Offensive guard Kyle Hinton was briefly attended to by trainers on the field and left the game in the second quarter. He did not return, and there is no further information on his status at this time.
- Edge defender Cameron Sample left the game early in the fourth quarter, but he returned shortly thereafter.
- Offensive guard Kam Dewberry was injured in the fourth quarter and walked off the field with trainers. He did not return after being carted to the locker room, and there is no further information on his status at this time.
Looking forward: The Falcons return home after a week away to prepare for the team's final preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Friday, Aug. 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at Hard Rock Stadium.
As stated previously, roster cutdowns will happen two days later on Sunday, Aug. 30.
