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3 Reasons Desmond Ridder should be the Atlanta Falcons week one starter

By Nick Halden

Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) after the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Cincinnati Bearcats 27-6.Cotton Bowl Cincinnati Bearcats Alabama Crimson Tide Ac 409
Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) after the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Cincinnati Bearcats 27-6.Cotton Bowl Cincinnati Bearcats Alabama Crimson Tide Ac 409 /
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Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass that was deflected by Kansas City Chiefs but was ultimately caught by Mariota for a touchdown during the AFC Wild Card game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 6, 2018.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass that was deflected by Kansas City Chiefs but was ultimately caught by Mariota for a touchdown during the AFC Wild Card game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 6, 2018. /

1. The Atlanta Falcons aren’t going anywhere with Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota is a great backup and a low-tier starter at this point in his career. His years with the Titans and Raiders have established who he is as a quarterback. He isn’t suddenly going to become a long-term answer or help elevate what is arguably the worst roster he has been a part of in his career.

Mariota is the known player in this competition he is the veteran you can plug in if Ridder struggles or deals with injury. As a member of the Raiders Mariota was utilized as a wildcat quarterback a great wrinkle to add to Arthur Smith’s offense. Mariota isn’t going to be able to elevate what is a bad Atlanta Falcons roster so why start the veteran who is a short-term answer over a rookie who you believe is the future of the franchise?

If Ridder struggles early Mariota is still going to be on the bench and able to step in and start. Regardless of which starter the Falcons ultimately choose they aren’t a contending team and will likely be in the running for one of next year’s top-five draft picks. Mariota should only be the starter if the roster around him was ready to support a veteran and win now.

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