Marcus Mariota: Atlanta’s Temporary QB Fix
Marcus Mariota was initially drafted by the Tennessee Titans with the second overall pick in the 2015 draft. During his five seasons with the Titans, he only managed two playoff appearances. Mariota remained in the NFL by signing a two-year deal with the Las Vegas Radars in 2020.
It wasn’t until week 15 after Derek Carr injured his groin that Mariota was able to show the team what he has to offer. He completed 17 of 28 passes for 226 yards. He also rushed for 88 yards and scored a touchdown as the Raiders lost 30-27 in overtime. After receiving little playing time in 2021, Mariota signed a two-year, $18.75 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
Head coach Arthur Smith told reporters,
“He does feel comfortable and that’s good especially this time of year as we crank it up and get into the preseason and more competitive practices. Hopefully, that stays the same.”
Mariota will likely be the week one starter, but with Desmond Ridder’s track record, don’t be surprised if he puts up a fight in training camp.
Desmond Ridder: The Future of the Franchise
With a 44-7 record at Cincinnati, it is clear Desmond Ridder aims to make an impact in the NFL. After helping the Bearcats become the first non-Power 5 program to reach the playoffs there is a lot of talk surrounding his future in Atlanta. He was the 10th pick in the 3rd round for the Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft. There is no doubt that Ridder is a winner with a ton of talent, but is he ready to be a starter?
After questions of his passing abilities arose in his early college career, he went on to become one of the best quarterbacks in AAC history. Last season he led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoffs. He also set two school career records after throwing 87 passing touchdowns and earning 12,418 yards of total offense.
When talking about Ridder quarterbacks coach Charles London explained, “Guys kind of gravitate to him. He’s a natural leader, and leadership is hard. It’s hard to judge somebody’s leadership.”
Although unlikely to start in week one, Ridder has the potential and talent to become the future of the Falcons.
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