3 Atlanta Falcons who must drastically improve against Carolina

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Nov 6, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Marcus Mariota

Mariota started out well for Atlanta helping lead the Falcons on two early scoring drives to give them a 10-0 lead over the Chargers. The problem was everything after that Mariota finished the game 12/23 for 129-yards and zero touchdowns. Though he didn’t turn the ball over for once Mariota was consistently off on his throws or his receivers were unable to make the catch consistently last Sunday.

For the Falcons to beat the Panthers they need Mariota to have the type of offensive explosion he had against this same Carolina team two weeks ago. While he threw two interceptions in that game he consistently made plays and ended the game with 296-combined yards and three touchdowns on the day.

Atlanta needs this type of day yet again to beat P.J. Walker who didn’t have any problems moving the ball against the Falcons two weeks ago. Mariota is going to have to be active not only with his legs but in the passing game and find a way to put last week’s struggles behind him. It seems a bad game here could finally be the push Arthur Smith needs to put Desmond Ridder in as the starter something Mariota certainly has to have considered with his struggles this season and the rookie sitting behind him.

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