Atlanta’s preseason hopes received a boost on Saturday when undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Strand delivered a strong performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Strand, a former Division II player from Minnesota State‑Moorhead, completed 12 of 17 passes for 212 yards, connecting on a 13‑yard touchdown to fellow rookie Cash Jones and adding a 16‑yard rushing score early in the third quarter.
Strand’s showing bolsters his argument for a spot as Atlanta’s third‑string quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom sat for the game while the Falcons evaluated depth at the position. Cooper Rush, who started for Atlanta and is currently 1‑1 in preseason, also performed well, completing 10 of 11 passes for 86 yards.
Supporting performances
Running backs Tyler Goodson and Nathan Carter contributed to the offensive surge, each scoring rushing touchdowns and combining for 101 yards on the ground. The Falcons outgained the Colts 461‑164, demonstrating a balanced attack that could translate into regular‑season confidence.
Colts’ struggles
Indianapolis, now 0‑1‑1, managed only two field goals from Spencer Shrader. Their reserve quarterbacks, Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson Sr., combined for 79 passing yards, with a single 39‑yard completion to Coleman Owen accounting for most of the production. The Colts converted just one of 11 third‑down attempts, underscoring offensive difficulties.
Other preseason results
In Detroit, the Lions rested starters but secured a 17‑13 win over Washington, thanks to rushing touchdowns from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs and running back Trayveon Williams. Dobbs experienced a mixed first quarter, including a strip‑sack, an interception, and a 50‑yard touchdown run.
Washington’s rookie kicker Drew Stevens made both of his field‑goal attempts after the team chose him over veteran Jake Moody earlier in the week. Detroit’s kicker Jake Bates was successful on one of two attempts.
Buffalo continued its preseason dominance with a 31‑7 victory over Cleveland. Rookie receiver Ja’Mori Maclin recorded 108 receiving yards and a 71‑yard touchdown catch. Quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele each threw a touchdown pass, while Frank Gore Jr. added 54 rushing yards.
The Browns’ lone score came from a first‑quarter touchdown catch by Luke Floriea. Cleveland’s quarterback competition appears to be narrowing between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, though both struggled against the Bills’ defense.
Baltimore’s Joe Fagnano threw for 123 yards and a touchdown in a 13‑3 win over host Minnesota. The Ravens’ defense recorded five sacks, and kicker Tyler Loop converted two field goals.
In Minnesota, the Vikings, with starter Kyler Murray sidelined, saw former first‑round pick J.J. McCarthy start and complete a 50‑yard pass to Tai Felton before over‑throwing on a fourth‑and‑goal attempt. Carson Wentz provided relief, completing 9 of 11 passes for 92 yards.
These preseason contests offer early insight into depth charts and player development as teams finalize rosters ahead of the regular season.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
