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5 Surprising observations from Atlanta Falcons 2022 season

By Nick Halden

Nov 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on before the start of the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on before the start of the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the field before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the field before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Arthur Smith’s loyalty to Marcus Mariota

Headed into the season it was expected that Mariota would start the first stretch of games for Atlanta and allow rookie Desmond Ridder to learn the offense and ease into the league. However, few expected head coach Arthur Smith to stick with Mariota as long as he did despite the veteran’s struggles.

Mariota seems to be a great guy and a respected leader inside the locker room. These are admirable traits though when the same quarterback lacks the skill to pass the ball with any consistency they are offset by this obvious issue.

Atlanta spent the bulk of their season with a quarterback who cannot pass whether this is an indictment on Desmond Ridder or due to Smith’s loyalty to Mariota is debatable. What isn’t is the fact that Mariota consistently cost his team games with the inability to make the easy throws or turning the ball over at the absolute worst times. If you’re the Atlanta Falcons there has to be at least a part of you that believes with a capable quarterback the Falcons would be NFC South champions. Mariota wasn’t that for Atlanta and should be moved on from as he clearly isn’t a fit.

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