Marcus Mariota impresses in Atlanta Falcons debut

For the first time in fourteen years, it isn’t Matt Ryan expected to start week one for the Atlanta Falcons but veteran Marcus Mariota. Mariota made his pre-season debut for the Falcons on Friday night leading the first Falcons offensive drive.

Mariota finished his night with 36-passing yards going 2/2 and 23-rushing yards and a touchdown. His performance was more impressive than the numbers suggest and included overcoming poor blocking and two offensive line penalties.

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Mariota got his night started with an impressive throw to rookie Drake London who left right after with a knee injury. The offensive line for Atlanta continued last season’s trend of failing to block pass rushers with any consistency. However, unlike last season Atlanta had a quarterback in Mariota who could get out of the pocket and create a play with his legs.

The downside of this was Mariota taking three big hits on the opening drive. Definitely, something the coaching staff should stress he avoids in future pre-season tilts. Despite the struggles along the offensive line, Mariota’s debut was everything Atlanta fans could have hoped for with Mariota showcasing his ability both as a passer and his ability to create plays himself.

Also, worth noting here is the fact that Atlanta allowed Mariota only one series pointing to the fact there is no ongoing quarterback competition. This is Mariota’s team and he is going to have to lose the job for Desmond Ridder to get a chance to start.

Ridder was impressive in his own right despite what the numbers might indicate. Desmond was let down by his receiver but consistently put the ball in the right spots and made plays with his legs as well. No doubt both Falcons quarterbacks left fans plenty of reasons to be encouraged heading into next week.