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

Sep 18, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) meets with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) following the victory at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) meets with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) following the victory at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) hurdles Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant (14) for a first down in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) hurdles Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant (14) for a first down in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mariota and Drake London have great chemistry

If there is one overarching positive takeaway from both of the first two weeks of the season it is Atlanta Falcons rookie receiver Drake London. While Kyle Pitts is missing in the Atlanta offense Drake has stepped up as a playmaker and was pivotal in Atlanta’s week one lead and in their late surge against the Rams on Sunday.

London caught the first touchdown pass of his career and through the first two games of the season has 160-receiving yards and a touchdown. It is a great start for the rookie and his consistent connection with Mariota has been one of the few continual positives for Mariota through the first two weeks of the season.

When the offense has needed a big play Mariota often is looking in London’s direction and the rookie has delivered. His ability to find open space despite lacking elite speed has been impressive and give Mariota more room to get the football to his rookie receiver.

Mariota’s most consistent attacks thus far this season have been using his legs to create space or simply throwing the football to Drake London and letting the rookie attempt to create after the catch.