Ahead of the Denver Broncos' preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons, we asked Matt Urben of Falcons Wire five questions about Atlanta's squad and Friday's matchup. Check out our questions and Matt's answers below.
\n1) Do you think one of Michael Penix or Tua Tagovailoa can be Atlanta’s long-term QB?
\nThat's a tough question to answer because there are so many variables at the moment. I believe Michael Penix Jr. has a bright future if he can stay healthy. Penix's injury issues have overshadowed many of the positive aspects of his game, but there is a lot to like when you watch the film. As for Tua Tagovailoa, he seems like a one-year bridge option rather than a long-term starter. Of course, if he wins the starting job and performs well, all bets are off. Tagovailoa's back injury has kept him from running away with the QB1 job thus far. The next few weeks will be key.
\n2) Ex-Broncos QBs coach Klint Kubiak interviewed for the Falcons job. Are you happy with ending up with Kevin Stefanski over some of the other candidates Atlanta considered?
\nMost fans would have been happier with Kubiak, but Stefanski was an acceptable choice. With roughly a third of the league looking for a new head coach, landing a two-time Coach of the Year winner has to be considered a win. However, I was surprised that Raheem Morris got fired after closing the year on a four-game winning streak and producing back-to-back eight-win seasons. I'm concerned that replacing Morris with a coach who won eight total over the last two seasons combined could send the wrong message. On the flip side, the Falcons offense needed a new voice.
\n3) Mike Ford is an ex-Denver special teamer. Will he have a role with the Falcons this year?
\nFord is a scrappy guy, and I'm willing to bet he makes the 53-man roster despite the team having good depth at cornerback. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was retained by head coach Kevin Stefanski, which bodes well for Ford's roster chances. Last season, he played in all 17 games and was a key special teams contributor. I expect him to secure a similar role with the team in 2026.
\n4) How big of a loss is the Jalon Walker injury for Atlanta's defense?
\nWalker is a big loss, especially with James Pearce Jr. likely to be suspended for the first eight games. The former Georgia standout finished second among rookies with 5.5 sacks last season, and he was really just scratching the surface of his potential. The Falcons lost ultra-versatile LB Kaden Elliss in free agency, and the team was counting on Walker's hybrid off-ball/edge ability to fill the void. Atlanta signed veteran DE Cameron Sample, but there isn't another Jalon Walker sitting around in free agency.
\n5) Should we expect Falcons starters to play much on Friday?
\nFalcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tua Tagovailoa and the majority of the team's starters will suit up for about 10 snaps on Friday night. Michael Penix Jr. won't play as he has yet to be cleared for contact. Fans should keep their eyes on rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, the team's third-round pick out of Georgia.
\nFriday's game will begin at 5:00 p.m. MT (7:00 p.m. ET) and will be locally televised on 9News and these channels. Out-of-market fans can stream the Broncos-Falcons game with ESPN Unlimited or an NFL+ account.
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\nThis article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. Falcons: 5 things Denver fans should know about Atlanta