Sometimes a change of scenery is all a player needs. We've seen a few quarterbacks benefit from this change in recent years. Could the Atlanta Falcons have landed the next Sam Darnold in Tua Tagovailoa? It feels unlikely, and the New Orleans Saints certainly hope not. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon, however, isn't ready to rule it out just yet.
Also, being the next Sam Darnold doesn't equate to winning a Super Bowl. It could easily be being Geno Smith during his brief career rejuvenation with the Seahawks. Gagnon is just looking to project who will be the next quarterback who has been counted out to redeem himself.
Gagnon realizes it's a reach for many people. He even started his explanation with "hear me out on Tagovailoa." Gagnon points to Tagovailoa's efficiency stats. Most importantly, Tagovailoa will have better weapons in Atlanta than in Miami.
If Tua Tagovailoa hits, Saints and NFC South should watch out
The Falcons seemingly have all the pieces to be a good team, but quarterback and a self destructing nature always seem to get in the way.Â
Bijan Robinson is one of the best running backs in the league. Kyle Pitts has started to hit his groove at tight end. Drake London is a good big bodied receiver, and the grabbed Zachariah Branch to pair with him in the draft.Â
Defensively, they grabbed two talented pass rushers in last year’s draft. Safety Xavier Watts had a strong rookie campaign, making him and Jessie Bates a strong safety duo. They have a number 1 corner in A.J. Terrell. If anything the Falcons’ lack of success is a case study of just how important quarterback is to a team.Â
Something always seems to go wrong for the Falcons, and sometimes it’s their fault. Drafting Michael Penix Jr. in the same offseason you signed Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract is a prime example of not knowing what you’re doing. Unsurprisingly, it blew up in their face.Â
Kirk Cousins was supposed to be the answer to this dilemma. They built up talent and got an established quarterback to lead the way. In the two years, Cousins and Penix have both started games, but the Falcons have yet to make the step forward.Â
Atlanta finds itself in the same predicament they were two years ago. Penix and a veteran quarterback will battle to see who can lead the talented supporting cast. Instead of Cousins, it’s Tagovailoa. If either is able to play at a high level for a sustained period of time, the Falcons could be major players in 2026.Â
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