By Jordan Long
The Atlanta Falcons traded away their franchise quarterback, Matt Ryan, to the Indianapolis Colts. The Falcons received a third round pick in this years’ NFL Draft. The Falcons were quick to find Ryan’s replacement, Marcus Mariota, who agreed to a two year contract with Atlanta.
Matt Ryan had been the Falcons quarterback since Atlanta drafted him 3rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. Ryan became one of the top quarterbacks in the league. In his time with the Falcons, Ryan passed for 59,735 yards and 367 touchdowns. Ryan read defenses well and rarely forced the ball into double coverage, totaling 170 interceptions. In the games Ryan started, Atlanta was an impressive 120-102, earning a playoff berth 6 times. They went to the Super Bowl once, Super Bowl 51. The Falcons are remembered for blowing a 28-3 lead to New England. They lost the game in overtime 34-28 and haven’t been back to the Super Bowl since.
According to CNN.com, Owner Arthur Blank said, “He has represented this organization with great class, professionalism and leadership, both on and off the field, over the past 14 years. It is difficult to overstate what he has meant to me personally, our organization, his teammates, and our fans. From his first day in the building, Matt has given his all in the pursuit of winning a championship for Atlanta. His arrival in 2008 instantly made us a contender in the NFC and he’s been our quarterback through the most successful era in Falcon’s history.”
The Falcons decided after the trade they needed to find a veteran starting quarterback. They knew it was going to happen in free agency. They could have gone after Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andy Dalton, or Cam Newton among others. They have all been starting quarterbacks in this league. Only one of them has appeared in a Super Bowl, Newton, who lost Super Bowl 50 to the Denver Broncos 24 to 10.
Mariota brings in 7 years of NFL experience to the Falcons. Atlanta is his 3rd NFL team. He suited up for the Tennessee Titans from 2015 to 2019 as their starter. For the past two years, Mariota has been with the Las Vegas Raiders as the veteran backup to Derek Carr.
Mariota’s starting record as a quarterback is 29-32. Tennessee went to the playoffs twice, 2017 and 2019 with him on the roster. In the 2019 season, the Titans advanced to the AFC Championship Game but were knocked off by the Kansas City Chiefs 35-24. Ryan Tannehill was the starter for that playoff run.
Mariota has passed for 13,437 yards, 77 touchdowns, and 45 interceptions. The best part about his game is when the pocket breaks down, he will run for first downs. He totaled 1,574 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
The downside with Mariota is he hasn’t started a game at quarterback since week 17 of the 2019 season when the Titans knocked off the Houston Texans 35-14. The past two seasons as the backup to Derek Carr Mariota has tossed 30 passes.
The Falcons are taking a chance with Mariota. They are anticipating he can help this team win. The Falcons haven’t reached the postseason since 2017. That year they were knocked off in the Divisional Round by the Philadelphia Eagles 15-10. Mariota has his opportunity to lead the team. If he fails to reach the playoffs the next two years he could be gone. At least Mariota has two seasons to do so. The best case is that Mariota plays well and they advance in the playoffs. Atlanta hasn’t ever won the Super Bowl since they became a franchise in 1966. They have been to two, Super Bowl 33 and 51. The goal is to win the Super Bowl.
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