Tagovailoa's Preseason Finale: Strong Passing, Costly Fumbles
Tua Tagovailoa completed 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards in the Falcons' preseason finale against Miami, but he also fumbled a snap and saw a teammate fumble on another drive. Kyle Pitts caught all three of his targets for 59 yards, including a 37-yard gain, as the tight end continues to be a focal point. The quarterback competition with Michael Penix Jr. remains unresolved, with the starter expected to be named before the regular-season opener.
Tagovailoa’s night featured both efficiency and recurring ball-security issues. He completed 7 of 8 passes for 95 yards, including a 37-yard connection to Kyle Pitts, but botched a snap exchange with Corey Levin that led to a fumble, and a later drive ended when Brian Robinson Jr. lost the ball. This marked the second preseason game in which Tagovailoa fumbled a snap, following a similar miscue against Denver on Aug. 14.
The quarterback competition remains open, with coach Kevin Stefanski declining to name a starter before Friday’s game. Michael Penix Jr. recently returned to full 11-on-11 drills after knee surgery, adding another variable. Pitts, who set a career high with 88 receptions last season, saw all three of his targets caught for 59 yards, reinforcing his central role in Atlanta’s offense regardless of who ultimately starts Week 1 against Pittsburgh.
This preseason finale could shape the Falcons’ season trajectory, as the unresolved quarterback battle affects team chemistry and offensive rhythm. Fans and fantasy owners may see Pitts’ usage as a bellwether for the offense’s potential, while Tagovailoa’s fumbling issues could raise concerns about reliability under pressure. The decision may also influence ticket sales and early-season expectations, though the true impact will only emerge once the regular season begins.