4 Things the Atlanta Falcons learned about Marcus Mariota in week two

1. Mariota’s turnover issues haven’t been solved

Part of the reason Marcus Mariota was benched three years ago with the Titans was due to his turnover issues. Mariota struggled with fumbling and throwing to the wrong team at the most inopportune times. He would make great plays just as he did on Sunday for the Atlanta Falcons in their comeback attempt only to end his own rally with a mind-numbing turnover.

This happened yet again on Sunday with Mariota turning the ball over three times on Sunday. This follows up a late fumble in week one against the Saints that opened the door for the New Orleans comeback.

If we are being completely fair here it is important to note that the first interception did bounce off of Cordarrelle Patterson’s hands, however, the throw was head high and far from precise. It was a catchable ball Patterson will make the play on more than not.  The fumble was on the final play of the game as Mariota attempted to scramble to buy time to throw a prayer of a pass into the end zone.

The third turnover, however, was a forced and high throw on third down to Bryan Edwards on Jalen Ramsey that appeared to be thrown to Ramsey. It was an unforgivable mistake in that situation that ended the Atlanta comeback on a 3rd down play that didn’t demand Mariota force the football.