ATLANTA — Sunday afternoon was a different tone in Atlanta Atlanta Falcons Coach Arthur Smith was directly asked if he would be changing his quarterback.
Smith had been convicted and defied on this issue in the past. Smith did not say that he would. Smith left the possibility open to change from veteran. Marcus Mariota For the rookie Desmond Ridder As the Falcons enter their bye.
Smith stated, “We’ll assess everything.” “Every job.”
What are the factors that will impact this decision? Smith described — kind of — what Smith and his team might be looking to find. He was careful to not reveal too much at the moment.
“We just finished the video game. Smith stated that although I have some thoughts, it is important to let go of them and to get together as a team. We’ve been close to a lot of things but we have to evaluate all. We have to get over the hump and get back in the winning category. There’s so much that needs to be discussed, evaluated, and discussed.
“I’m able to answer the questions now, but the game is over.” We are very happy to have the bye.
Mariota, who started the entire season after Ridder was drafted in the third round from Cincinnati, played well enough during halftime. Mariota fluctuated between games that were good and those that were not, leading to a surprising 4-4 record for the Falcons over eight weeks.
In the last month, the balance has shifted to the negative. The Falcons have lost four out of five games going into the bye week. Mariota hasn’t completed more than 65% of his passes since Oct. 30, when he was last on the field.
He was off target on 18.9%, which is sixth-worst among the league’s passers, and just ahead of Houston’s. Davis Mills (who was benched), The New York Jets Zach Wilson (who was benched), The Washington quarterback duo Taylor Heinicke And Carson Wentz Chicago quarterback Justin Fields.
Mariota has achieved many positive things. Mariota is a good performer in the red zone. He completed 60% his passes with 11 touchdowns (and one interception). Atlanta’s offensive edge is given by his running and zone reading abilities. He averages 5.15 yards per carry with four touchdowns. Mariota has proven that he can handle all the presnap adjustments Smith’s plan requires.
However, his play has not been good for the Falcons. His completion percentage is 61.3%, which is higher than just Russell Wilson In terms of full-time starters who weren’t benched, (Carolina) Baker MayfieldWilson) or as a replacement for a starter in (Dallas). Cooper Rush). His nine interceptions tie him for No. 28 in the league, tied for No. Kirk Cousins Green Bay’s Aaron RodgersBut Rodgers, Cousins, and Rodgers each have more than 100 dropbacks to Mariota.
Smith stated that he wanted a clear decision and not overreacting.
Smith stated, “You want it to be right.” “Don’t react emotionally. Sometimes, change is possible. There are plenty of examples that might help to spark something. Every option is available.
Mariota was able to complete 13 of his 24 passes (54.2%) for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran three times for 17 yards. He had several bad overthrows on his missed passes. Mariota appeared to have double coverage when he threw the ball in the second quarter. Olamide Zaccheaus When he had Drake LondonThis year’s No. 8 overall pick had six catches for 95 yards, the most he has ever made in his career. He was open to all who were around him.
It might seem like a particular criticism, but it was a common complaint. Mariota’s downfield throws have been a long-running problem. He has completed 28.6% of his passes traveling 20+ yard in the air. That is tied with Fields for No. 31 is the league’s highest scorer, beating just Lamar Jackson Wilson.
The Steelers won the game with a crucial interception by Mariota on Sunday’s last throw. It was difficult to be in. They were at their 2-yard line with 42 seconds remaining and needed a field goal to tie the game. The drive did not get started. Mariota made the interception on the Falcons’ first play. The staff was then able to ask more questions about their quarterback.
Mariota stated Sunday that he was not thinking about Atlanta replacing him as a starter.
Mariota replied, “That’s where my mind is not at.” “You’re still trying reflect on the game. The team has to make the right decision at the end. However, I am not really thinking about it right now.
0:29
MyCole Pruitt grabs Marcus Mariota’s pass and dives into the endzone for a touchdown.
The Falcons have about a week to have talks and make a final decision. Ridder (the No. Ridder, the No. 74 overall draft pick, would have more time to prepare. He was praised by the offseason for his speed in learning the playbook. Ridder has not yet seen a regular season snap, but he has managed the scout group during practices. To get more practice time in the absence of game action, Ridder has spent extra time with the practice squad and the back half of Atlanta’s roster.
“Regardless of whether he’s a rookie, Des has a double mandate,” Dave Ragone, Falcons offensive coordinator, stated recently. “The mandate is for Des to prepare himself mentally and physically, so he can make it as good as possible. Marcus has another mandate: He must make himself as good as possible for him.
Mariota vs. Ridder could be influenced by Atlanta’s current position in the playoff race. Because the NFC South, the worst division of football, has no teams below.500, the Falcons are still alive. New Orleans and Tampa Bay play Monday night. The Buccaneers would have a two-game lead if they win Monday against San Francisco and Sunday against San Francisco. This would further reduce Atlanta’s chances of winning.
The Falcons could be in second place or tied for first place by the time they play another game, depending on what Tampa, New Orleans, and Carolina do. Smith is aware that something must change after they lost four of five games and were all but out of the running for the division.
“There are many areas we can improve on, and we should. Smith explained that when you have teens playing low-possession games, it will be tough. We want to return to the winning side. We have had many close games. It’s not a problem of [the] You guys will see the strength we have, no matter what. Moral victories are not possible. This is the time to get over this hump.
“We must look at all aspects and find the positive side to winning. There are many reasons. It will be helpful to step back. There will be adjustments. We need to see everything.”