Atlanta Falcons: Five things to expect vs. Titans

1) Expect Marcus Mariota to not play

Aug 14, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) and rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) watch from the sidelines during the second half of their preseason NFL football game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Mariota, the no. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft will likely sit out this week. Mariota suffered an MCL sprain last week and could miss multiple games because of it.

The Falcons already faced off with Mariota in the Preseason, but will all but likely face off with Zach Mettenberger. The Georgia native has eight career touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Neither Mettenberger nor Mariota pose very much of a threat for the Falcons, but they should not be overlooked.

It isn’t ideal that the Falcons don’t know who to prepare for yet, but it shouldn’t affect them all too much. It will be that much more important for the Falcons to get off to a quick start on the road to make up for a lack of preparation. Don’t get me wrong, the Falcons will be more than prepared to play the Titans, but not knowing who will start at QB may give the Titans a slight advantage to start the game.

Rise up!