3 Atlanta Falcons who could be facing their last chance this season
By Nick Halden
2. Marcus Mariota
Mariota has a tall task ahead of him with an Atlanta Falcons roster that clearly isn’t capable of competing for the playoffs. Mariota was labeled a draft bust after failing to keep his starting job with the Titans and spent the next seasons as a utility backup with the Raiders. Now getting what very well could be his final chance as a starter Mariota has to find a way to hold off rookie Desmond Ridder and prove he can be a veteran starter in this league.
Certainly, there is reason to think Mariota can take a step forward and have a good season with Atlanta. However, there is no denying the threat of a young quarterback is a high level of pressure Mariota will be dealing with every week. Even great quarterbacks (Tom Brady) haven’t loved having a younger talented quarterback looking over their shoulder.
Mariota is going to be facing pressure every week on a rebuilding team in what could be his final chance at starting in this league. While one could argue players fighting for a role on the roster at all are under far more pressure there is no denying when it comes to players who are promised a roster spot Mariota will be facing the most pressure when Atlanta kicks off in week one.