4 Atlanta Falcons that must step up for the team in week three

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Sep 18, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) runs the ball after intercepting a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Marcus Mariota

If the Atlanta Falcons have a capable quarterback in week two against the Rams they complete the comeback it really is that simple. Mariota consistently overthrew his receivers and failed to find the open man late against the Rams. When the game was on the line Mariota not only didn’t help Atlanta but ended the game by forcing a high throw to a receiver who probably shouldn’t have been targeted in that situation.

Mariota has never been known as an elite passer but he has been far better than what he was last Sunday. Mariota was staring his receivers down looking the defense right where they needed to go to make a play. Even after giving the defense the answer Mariota often threw the ball high or behind his receiver.

While it wasn’t all bad for Marcus there were far too many plays that Mariota left on the field. If he is a starting quarterback in this league Mariota has to bounceback against the Seahawks with a big game and prove he is capable of winning against Geno Smith. If he is unable to beat Geno in week three is there any matchup left that Atlanta Falcons have reason to believe he can win as long as he is penciled in as the starter?

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