3 Atlanta Falcons that must deliver week one against the Saints

1. Marcus Mariota

This is the most obvious inclusion, without a good game from Mariota not only can the Falcons not win this game but it won’t be particularly close. The Saints have far too many advantages on both sides of the ball for the Falcons to win this game without a big game from Mariota. Marcus Mariota needs to make plays both on the ground and in the passing game consistently for the Falcons to hang in this game late and have a chance to steal a win.

Mariota’s play style is going to work well with Drake London and Kyle Pitts in Arthur Smith’s play action-heavy offense. The key for Mariota in this game is going to take the mentality he took in his final preseason game making quick decisions and rolling out of the pocket not giving the defense time to end the play in the backfield. His quick decision-making resulted in consistent big plays and kept the momentum on Atlanta’s side. While it is important to note this was against a far inferior roster with few starters taking the field it isn’t a reach to believe Mariota is capable of replicating this with Cordarrelle Patterson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts on the field around him. Mariota doesn’t have to play hero ball he simply must be a great point guard distributing the ball to Atlanta’s playmakers and leaving the rest up to them.