I’m Rooting For Marcus Mariota To Answer The Call In Atlanta

The quarterback position is the most scrutinized spot on the field. Some franchises bank on first-round rookies to step into savior roles, with the direction of careers teetering with every win or loss. One former first-rounder is finding a second chance in Atlanta after going from a starter on the east coast to a backup on the west. Marcus Mariota agreed to a two-year deal with the Falcons back in March and with camp approaching, all arrows point to Mariota under center.

Marcus Mariota is really the only choice

The Falcons roster currently hosts three quarterbacks in Mariota, third-round pick Desmond Ridder and Feleipe Franks, who took reps at tight end during OTA’s. Mariota will enter his eighth season and is the most veteran of the trio. Despite his extended time in the league, the Oregon product will only turn 29 during week eight’s game against the Panthers. The Falcons are looking for their next franchise quarterback. Mariota is ready to answer the call.

The Tennessee Titans selected Mariota second-overall out of Oregon in 2015. During his three years in college, Mariota threw 105 touchdowns against 14 interceptions and finished his Bachelor’s before his senior season. He finalized his college career with a Heisman trophy. His collegiate success threw him directly into a starting job in Tennessee, throwing 19 touchdowns for a three-win Titans team. Mariota would have his best season in 2016 with a career-high 26 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. His lone playoff season would occur in 2017 with a one-and-done run before wrapping up his time as a Titan in 2019. His tenure with Tennessee ended after 63 games and eventually losing his job to current Titans QB Ryan Tannehill.

Mariota with the Raiders

Mariota joined the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2020 season in a backup role to Derek Carr. He made one appearance in 2020, completing 17 passes, two total scores and 88 rushing yards in a week 15 loss. The 2021 season was much the same, with Mariota’s playing time and reps limited. He contributed one rushing score and only made two pass attempts, but for the first time in his career he got to watch and learn. The Raiders were set with Carr at quarterback and Mariota provided a solid, experienced option in the backup role. For two seasons, Mariota watched from the sidelines and played the team-first role perfectly, even taking a pay cut of seven-million-dollars last season.

Now, Mariota is being thrown back into the starting job with Atlanta (assuming he doesn’t lose the job). His two-year deal is worth close to 19-million-dollars. Mariota will get the opportunity to showcase his talents once again and take a team under his command. His weapons for the most part are young so his veteran status will be a factor. If Atlanta chooses, they could cut ties with Mariota after this season for cheap or see it through 2023. The Falcons fan base could potentially find a franchise quarterback to carry the load for the foreseeable future. Mariota has experience as both a starter and a backup. He has had time to learn and grow. Atlanta is hoping to catch some magic with Mariota in a potentially winnable NFC South. Let’s hope the Heisman winner can take the reigns and control of this offense and speed up the Falcons rebuild.

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