The Atlanta Falcons got off to such a slow start in Week 2 that they turned to their fourth-string quarterback in the third quarter of Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Undrafted free agent Jack Strandmade his NFL debut after Cooper Rush's third turnover.
Strand's welcome-to-the-NFL moment didn't take long, as his first career pass attempt was deflected into the arms of a Panthers defender and returned for a pick-six. While Strand stayed composed, it just wasn't a good day for Atlanta's offense.
The rookie went 8/15 for 59 yards passing, one interception and one lost fumble. Despite his struggles, Strand was happy to get live game reps and to put some of his play on film.
Here's what Strand told Falcons reporter Will McFadden about the
benefit of that game experience after Sunday's loss:
“I think that can definitely help a lot. I think having film of yourself to watch is always good, whether it's in practice and watching that. If you're not getting a lot of reps in practice, getting individual drills and watching the film from that. Just seeing what your throw motion looks like, what your feet look like, stuff like that, and how you can make yourself better just from watching yourself. And now, watching myself from actual in-game reps, there's definitely gonna be a lot to grow from, but I'm excited for it.”
Caught up with Falcons QB Jack Strand after his first appearance in a regular-season NFL game. He said getting to watch the tape of himself in a real game will be invaluable as he continues to develop.
— Will McFadden (@willmcfadden) September 20, 2026
“I think that can definitely help a lot. I think having film of yourself to… pic.twitter.com/th3TyRGKIR
The Falcons have not made any comment on their quarterback going forward. ESPN reported that Michael Penix Jr. would be back to start for the team in Week 3, however, head coach Kevin Stefanski did not have an update after the game.
Either way, Strand's upside was clear and he will only get better with more experience.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons QB Jack Strand comments on NFL debut vs. Panthers
