Falcons QB Jack Strand comments on NFL debut vs. Panthers

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Falcons QB Jack Strand comments on NFL debut vs. Panthers

Falcons vs. Panthers: Best photos from Week 2 matchup in Atlanta — Sep 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) speaks with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Jack Strand (18) after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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Matt Urben, Falcons Wire

Mon, Sep 21, 2026 ·

2 min read

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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 Strand made 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."

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.

**OL: Bill Fralic** (2026 Class)

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**DE: John Abraham** (2026 Class)

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**QB Matt Ryan** (2024 Class)

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**Owner: Arthur Blank** (2024 Class)

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**OL: Todd McClure** (2022 Class)

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**WR Roddy White** (2019 Class)

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**RB: Warrick Dunn** (2017 Class)

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**RB: Gerald Riggs** (2013 Class)

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**DB: Deion Sanders** (2010 Class)

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**DL: Claude Humphrey** (2008 Class)

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**OL: Mike Kenn** (2008 Class)

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**OL: Jeff Van Note** (2006 Class)

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**LB: Jessie Tuggle** (2004 Class)

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**LB: Tommy Nobis** (2004 Class)

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**QB: Steve Bartkowski** (2004 Class)

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**RB: William Andrews** (2004 Class)

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Falcons vs. Panthers: Best photos from Week 2 matchup in Atlanta

Sep 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs after making a catch as Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (24) defends during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)