Ex-MSUM QB Jack Strand Punches In TD for Falcons in Preseason Debut
Rookie Quarterback Jack Strand Scores in Falcons Preseason Debut Despite Loss to Denver
Game Overview
The Atlanta Falcons played their first preseason game on Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the Denver Broncos. The final score was 27–7 in favor of Denver, but the real story was about a young quarterback making his very first NFL appearance.
Key Details at a Glance
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- When: Friday night (preseason)
- Final Score: Denver 27, Atlanta 7
- Star of the Night: Jack Strand, undrafted rookie quarterback
Who Is Jack Strand?
Jack Strand is a rookie quarterback who wasn’t picked in the NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota State Moorhead, a smaller school. On Friday, he got his first chance to play in an NFL game — and he made the most of it.
- Hometown: Bloomer, Wisconsin
- College: Minnesota State Moorhead
- Status: Undrafted free agent (signed by Falcons after draft)
- First NFL Game: This preseason matchup
How Jack Strand Performed
Strand entered the game in the second half and showed both promise and room to grow.
The Good
- Scored a touchdown! A 1-yard quarterback sneak in the third quarter — that’s when the QB runs the ball himself right behind his blockers.
- Completed 6 of 12 passes for 50 yards.
- Stayed calm under pressure — only sacked once.
- QB Rating: 61.1 (a measure of passing efficiency; higher is better).
Areas to Improve
- Missed some throws.
- Still learning the speed of the NFL game.
Coach’s Take
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said:"Played like a rookie where there is some really good stuff and there is some stuff we will clean up, but that’s the great thing about Jack. He wants to be coached, very intelligent young man. We’ll get back on it with him, but again, a young man that I think is ascending."
Translation: He made rookie mistakes, but he’s smart, coachable, and getting better fast.
What About the Other Quarterbacks?
The Falcons used three different quarterbacks in this game. Here’s how each did:
| Quarterback | Role | Stats | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tua Tagovailoa | Started the game (first two drives) | 3 of 5 passes, 22 yards | 70.4 |
| Cooper Rush | Played most of the first half | 7 of 19 passes, 62 yards, 2 interceptions | 6.8 |
| Jack Strand | Played the entire second half | 6 of 12 passes, 50 yards, 1 rushing TD | 61.1 |
Note: Tua Tagovailoa is actually the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. His appearance in this Falcons game appears to be an error in the original report. The Falcons’ actual starter is Michael Penix Jr., who is currently injured and waiting to be cleared.
Team Struggles Beyond the QB Position
Even with Strand’s bright spot, the Falcons’ offense had a tough night overall:
- Only 11 first downs (chances to keep the drive alive)
- Just 192 total yards (combined passing + rushing)
- Two interceptions thrown by Cooper Rush
- Struggled to move the ball consistently
What Happens Next? (Numbered Steps)
- Review Game Film – Coaches will watch every play to see what worked and what didn’t.
- Practice Corrections – Strand and the offense will work on fixing mistakes in practice.
- Next Preseason Game – Another chance for Strand to show growth.
- Roster Decisions – Coaches decide who makes the final 53-man team.
- Wait for Penix Jr. – The starting QB returns when healthy.
Summary
Despite a 27–7 loss, Friday night was a win for Jack Strand’s development. The undrafted rookie from Wisconsin:
- Scored a touchdown in his NFL debut
- Showed poise and intelligence
- Earned praise from his head coach for being "ascending"
While the Falcons’ offense struggled as a whole, Strand gave fans a reason to be excited about the future — especially with starter Michael Penix Jr. still on the mend.
FAQ
What does "undrafted rookie" mean?
It means Jack Strand wasn’t selected by any team during the NFL Draft. He signed with the Falcons as a free agent afterward. Many great players (like Kurt Warner and Tony Romo) started this way!
What is a QB rating?
It’s a number (0–158.3) that measures how well a quarterback passes. It combines completion %, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. Higher = better. Strand’s 61.1 is decent for a first game.
Why did three quarterbacks play?
It’s preseason — games don’t count for the standings. Coaches use them to evaluate players. They split time so everyone gets a chance to show what they can do.
Is Tua Tagovailoa on the Falcons?
No. He’s the starting QB for the Miami Dolphins. The original report likely contained an error. The Falcons’ starter is Michael Penix Jr.
When does the regular season start?
The NFL regular season usually begins in early September. Preseason games (like this one) happen in August to prepare.