Atlanta Falcons QB Depth Chart: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know

If you live in metro Atlanta, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback depth chart isn’t just a line on a website—it shapes the team’s identity, game plans, and even the energy around Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sundays. Understanding who’s under center, who’s backing him up, and how the depth chart might shift helps you follow games more closely and talk football with real insight.

How the Falcons QB Depth Chart Is Structured

Every NFL team, including the Falcons, organizes its quarterbacks into a clear depth chart:

  • QB1 – Starter: The main quarterback who gets most snaps.
  • QB2 – Primary backup: Steps in if the starter is injured or struggling.
  • QB3 – Developmental/emergency: Depth option, often a younger player or practice-squad call-up.

For Falcons fans in Atlanta, this depth chart affects everything from:

  • How the offense looks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium week to week
  • Which player’s jersey you might want to buy
  • How optimistic you feel about late-game comebacks or playoff pushes

Typical Roles: What Each Falcons QB Is Asked to Do

QB1: The Face of the Offense

The starting quarterback for the Falcons is expected to:

  • Run head coach and offensive coordinator game plans
  • Command the huddle and adjust plays at the line
  • Build timing with Drake London, tight ends, and running backs
  • Handle media duties in Atlanta during the week

At home games downtown, QB1 is the player most eyes are on—how he handles pressure in the red zone, third downs, and two-minute drills often defines the entire Falcons season.

QB2: The Next Man Up

The backup quarterback in Atlanta plays a critical insurance role:

  • Takes fewer reps in practice but must stay ready to start on short notice
  • Often gets extended work in the preseason, especially at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and in any open joint practices
  • Helps QB1 on the sideline—discussing coverages, fronts, and defensive tendencies

If you’re at a game and the starter takes a hard hit, you’ll see QB2 warming up along the sideline quickly. Falcons coaches need this player to keep the offense functional, even if the playbook is slightly simplified.

QB3: Development and Depth

The third quarterback is usually:

  • A young prospect the team wants to develop
  • A practice-squad candidate who moves up and down based on injuries
  • Someone who may suit up only if rules or roster strategy allow

For fans, QB3 is often the name to remember in training camp at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, where you can see more reps and evaluate future potential.

Example: How an Atlanta Falcons QB Depth Chart Might Look

Actual names change over time, but the structure stays consistent. A simplified example:

Depth SlotRoleTypical Use on Game Day
QB1StarterPlays nearly all offensive snaps
QB2Primary BackupSteps in for injury/poor play, helmet comms
QB3Developmental / EmergencyLimited or no snaps unless needed

When you hear local sports radio in Atlanta on 92.9 The Game or see TV analysis, most debates center on:

  • Whether QB1 is good enough to win in the postseason
  • Whether QB2 could push for the starting job
  • Whether QB3 has real long-term upside

How the Depth Chart Impacts Game Day in Atlanta

Offensive Style and Playcalling

The quarterback’s skill set heavily influences the Falcons’ game plan at home and on the road:

  • A pocket passer might lead to more traditional drop-back passing and timing routes
  • A mobile QB could bring more rollouts, option looks, and off-schedule plays

If you’re in the stands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’ll notice:

  • Different motion and formation tendencies depending on who’s at QB
  • How often the offense takes deep shots vs. shorter, safer throws
  • How quickly the ball comes out against heavy pass rushes

Crowd Energy and Momentum

Atlanta crowds respond differently depending on QB performance:

  • A confident, efficient QB1 usually keeps the home crowd loud and engaged
  • Multiple turnovers or missed throws can quickly bring out boos or restlessness
  • A surprise QB2 coming in and playing well often creates a big emotional lift

If you’re bringing friends or family to their first Falcons game, understanding who is starting at quarterback is one of the easiest ways to set their expectations.

Following Falcons QB News from Atlanta

Because quarterback news can change week to week, Atlanta fans often rely on a few consistent information channels:

  • Team announcements: Official depth chart updates, injury reports, and starter decisions usually come from the Falcons organization.
  • Local sports media: Atlanta-based TV, radio, and newspapers discuss potential changes, camp battles, and performance trends.
  • Training camp and open practices: When fans are allowed at Flowery Branch, you can literally see the QB rotation with your own eyes.

Keeping an eye on these sources helps you track:

  • Injuries and how they might bump QB2 or QB3 up the chart
  • Whether a young quarterback is getting more meaningful reps
  • How secure the starting job seems week to week

What Atlanta Fans Should Watch For During the Season

If you’re following the Falcons closely from Atlanta, a few quarterback-specific signs are especially useful:

1. Snap Distribution in Preseason

In August, who plays and when often signals the team’s internal rankings:

  • QB1 usually plays limited snaps in early preseason games, then more in the “dress rehearsal” week.
  • QB2 often gets extended work against backups, showing whether he can run the full system.
  • QB3 might play most in the second half, especially at home, giving fans a look at developmental upside.

2. In-Game Adjustments

During regular season games in Atlanta, watch for:

  • How quickly the Falcons pull QB1 if things go badly
  • Whether QB2 enters for designed packages, goal-line plays, or special situations
  • Sideline interactions between quarterbacks and coaches

These small clues tell you how much confidence the staff has in each player.

3. Injury Reports and Practice Status

Because quarterback is so critical, minor injuries can have big depth-chart effects:

  • A limited practice tag may mean QB2 gets extra reps
  • A questionable game-status listing late in the week can signal a potential last-minute change
  • Practice-squad call-ups at quarterback can hint at deeper injury concerns

For fans planning to attend a game, checking who’s expected to start at QB before you head downtown helps you know what kind of offense to expect.

Where the Falcons Work and Play Around Atlanta

For local context, the Falcons’ QB room operates across two main Atlanta-area locations:

  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium

    • Downtown Atlanta
    • Hosts regular-season and many preseason home games
    • Where you’ll see the active depth chart in live action
  • IBM Performance Field / Falcons Training Facility

    • Flowery Branch, north of Atlanta
    • Where quarterbacks practice daily, study film, and work with coaches
    • Hosts training camp practices that are sometimes open to the public

If you’re an Atlanta resident or visitor planning around the football calendar, knowing these locations helps you understand where the QB work is actually happening.

How the Falcons QB Depth Chart Affects Fans in Atlanta

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, the quarterback situation influences:

  • Game-day experience: Style of play, pace of offense, and crowd energy
  • Season expectations: Whether the team feels in “win now” mode or still developing a young QB
  • Local conversation: Sports-talk topics in bars, offices, schools, and MARTA rides on game day

When you hear people around the city debating the “Falcons QB depth chart,” they’re really talking about:

  • Who gives this Atlanta roster the best chance to win right now
  • Which backup might become the future starter
  • Whether the team should invest more draft capital or free-agency money at quarterback

By understanding how the depth chart works and what each slot means, you’ll be able to follow those conversations, watch games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a sharper eye, and keep track of how the Falcons’ most important position is evolving from season to season.