ATLANTA — Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday that Cooper Rush will make his second straight start at quarterback in Sunday’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers, the first NFC South Division game of the season for both teams.
Rush threw two interceptions in last weekend’s season-opening 20-13 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with T.J. Watt returning one of those picks 35 yards for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Rush completed 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.
“It’s the National Football League, so you’re going to have some plays, you’re going to have some moments, you’re going to have some times that you don’t play your best or you’re not at your best, and you bounce back,” Stefanski said when asked about Rush’s potential for better results. “So I expect nothing less from our football team, not just one person.”
Undrafted rookie Jack Strand will again be the backup immediately behind Rush, who is in his ninth pro season and will be making his 18th start. He was 4-4 in eight starts with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 before losing both of his starts with the Baltimore Ravens last season.
“If you take the totality of his work, he’s been an efficient quarterback and a guy that I really respect his game,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said Friday when asked about Rush starting. “He has been in this role at different times throughout his career where he is asked to step in and keep the ship moving. He did that in Dallas for a while. So what I expect is a guy who is going to be ready.”