4 Things the Falcons learned from Mariota’s performance in week one

For the first time in fourteen seasons, the Atlanta Falcons started the season without Matt Ryan as their starting quarterback. Ryan was overseeing the Colts who ended up tying in their season opener to the Houston Texans. While it was hardly the start Ryan was hoping for with his new team Mariota’s debut wasn’t much smoother as Atlanta collapsed yet again.

There is plenty of blame to go around as to why the Falcons surrendered a 16-point 4th-quarter lead and collapsed yet again. It isn’t as simple as pointing to Arthur Smith or Marcus Mariota as the deciding factor in why the Falcons lost yet again after holding a late lead.

The coaching staff certainly should shoulder most of the blame for the way they coached the final quarter. However, the players were culpable as well with A.J. Terrell, Marcus Mariota, and Atlanta’s defensive line making mistakes in the late stages of the game.

Mariota’s first game as the Atlanta Falcons’ starting quarterback was a mixed result. With some great moments for the veteran and some that reminded Atlanta of how Mariota ended up as their starting quarterback in the first place. There is certainly plenty to learn from Mariota’s first start for Atlanta including one skill that would have won Atlanta the game.