4 Things the Falcons learned from Mariota’s performance in week one
By Nick Halden
2. Marcus Mariota was surprisingly accurate under fire
After starting the game 2/6 and struggling to connect with his receivers early in the game Mariota went 18/27 and consistently put the football only where his receivers could make a play. Mariota has room to improve but his decisions in the passing game on Sunday were impressive picking apart a good Saints defense and consistently moving the ball down the field.
The one issue one could take with Mariota’s performance on Sunday was the lack of deep shots that Mariota took at will during the preseason. While pushing the ball downfield would have been great watching the tape back Mariota took what the defense was giving him.
Marcus did attempt to push the ball down the field as well on failed deep shots to Olamide and Kyle Pitts. Mariota looked every bit the part of a franchise quarterback considering the talent Atlanta put around him. His accuracy and quick decision-making kept the Saints’ defense off balance early and gave Atlanta the big lead they inevitably choked away.
Mariota’s week one as a passer was a great start and didn’t leave any room for Desmond Ridder to begin to become a consideration for the Falcons in week two.