3 Reasons the Atlanta Falcons dominated the 49ers in week six

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Oct 16, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons players including quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) react with tight end Kyle Pitts (8) after his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Marcus Mariota

It wasn’t just the Atlanta Falcons’ run game that carried the offense on Sunday but veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota was close to perfect on Sunday going 13/14 for 129-yards and tossing two perfect touchdown passes.

Mariota added in a clutch 50-yards rushing including a touchdown giving him a total of three scores on the day. This was by far Mariota’s best outing as Atlanta’s quarterback playing point guard perfectly and protecting the football leaning on the running game and making plays when they were there.

His struggles turning the ball over and missing his receivers wide or high completely disappeared in this game. If this version of Mariota continues to show up this season the Falcons are going to win a lot of games and rookie Desmond Ridder is going to remain on the bench. This is who Arthur Smith signed Mariota to be, the game manager who takes care of the football and relies on his playmakers not forcing the big play that isn’t there.

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