3 Atlanta Falcons facing the most pressure this season

3. Marcus Mariota

It looked as if Marcus Mariota was set to get his second chance as a starter in this league facing very little pressure on a rebuilding team. However, the Falcons have improved at nearly every position and drafted a quarterback in Desmond Ridder. History tells us that Mariota won’t have to slip up often for fans to begin clamoring for his job and for the team to give the rookie a chance.

The pressure for Mariota is tamped down somewhat by the fact Ridder was a third-round pick and head coach Arthur Smith will likely favor Mariota in any close competition. However, there is no denying Mariota is facing a lot of pressure not only to hold off Desmond Ridder but to replace Matt Ryan and help replicate the surprise success Atlanta found last season.

Atlanta won seven games last season despite having less talent on their roster and a rookie head coach. A large part of this was due to an easy schedule, however, Atlanta has improved at every position but quarterback. Fans aren’t going to be terribly patient with the most important player on the field if Mariota is struggling as he did in his final seasons with the Titans. This very well may be his final chance as a starter how great is he capable of being?