Falcons HC Arthur Smith gives comments on new starting QB

It has been a rollercoaster ride for the Atlanta Falcons and their fans over the past while, from almost landing Deshaun Watson, to trading Matt Ryan, and following that up by signing quarterback Marcus Mariota, there has been no shortage of news.

Arthur Smith has previous experience with the Falcons’ new quarterback and he gave his thoughts about the newest Falcon starter.

Falcons head coach, Arthur Smith, gives his insight into Marcus Mariota

The Falcons will be entering a brand new era after their decision to trade franchise great, Matt Ryan, and to sign presumptive starting quarterback, Marcus Mariota.

Arthur had nothing but good things to say about Mariota, which is to be expected, but there is no getting around the fact that this is the same coach who made the decision to bench Mariota while they both were a part of the Tennessee Titans organization.

It brings up major question marks for the Falcons, their quarterback play is bound to take a big step back in 2022 compared to 2021.

Yes, he has won a playoff game in his career, but so have a lot of quarterbacks who are not exactly classified as “elite” players.

Long gone is the steady play of Matt Ryan, instead, the team now has the previous second-overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft who has had a shaky career, to say the least.

In his career, he has never passed for more than 3,500 passing yards in a season which is a nerving thought after the team had a quarterback who routinely put up 4,000 passing-yard seasons.

Marcus Mariota spent the last two years with the Las Vegas Raiders where he was the primary backup to Derek Carr and was also used as a read-option quarterback in certain instances.

Overall, the Falcons quarterback play will take a step back in 2022, more specifically the passing game, but the running game could be a whole different story as Mariota brings an added element to the Falcons offense.