Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski says starting quarterback Cooper Rush’s job today is simple: Put the ball in the hands of the Falcons’ playmakers, particularly running back Bijan Robinson.
Stefanski told Sal Paolantonio of ESPN that was his message to Rush, and Stefanski added that he’s personally excited to see Robinson in the flesh for the first time.
“Simple: be yourself. Operate the offense. Get the ball out quickly to your playmakers,” Stefanski said of his message to Rush. “You know, I’ve never seen Bijan Robinson play in a game. I’ve seen him in practice and on film but never live in a game. I’m really excited.”
Although Rush was expected to be behind both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix on the Falcons’ quarterback depth chart, neither of them is healthy enough to play today, so Rush is the starter and undrafted rookie Jack Strand is the backup.
Today will be Rush’s 17th NFL start, and Stefanski said he’s ready for it.
“He’s a pro’s pro. He knows how to prepare, knows how to operate an offense, he’s been part of good teams and had good coaches,” Stefanski told Paolantonio. “Backup quarterbacks always make good coaches because they have to prepare like the starter and be part psychiatrist for the starter at the same time.”
Rush may be something of a coach on the field — a coach who calls plenty of plays for Robinson.
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