ATLANTA — Atlanta FalconsNeed a full-time starter quarterback, other than Matt RyanThis is the first time that the 2007 season has been relived since 2007. Marcus MariotaUnderstanding the significance of being that replacement
Mariota declared Friday, “Those are huge shoes to fill.” “I believe that one thing I have learned throughout my career is that you shouldn’t compare yourself with other people. Matt’s accomplishments here are truly amazing, and I need to forge my own path.
“I appreciate his efforts, I appreciate the work he does for the organization, and all I can do to help him is put my best foot forward, be the best player I can be.”
Mariota, 28 years old, is expected to assume a starting position — though he denied that he had been promised the job — for his first time since 2019. He was the quarterback during the 2019 season. Tennessee TitansArthur Smith, then their offensive coordinator, was now the Falcons coach.
Mariota was removed in favor of Ryan TannehillThis season, and then moved on to the Las Vegas RaidersHe backed up with Derek CarrTwo years. In the two previous seasons, he played in 11 games, completing 60% his passes for 230 yard, a touchdown, and an intercept.
Mariota was the No. Mariota, the No.
However, his final season with Titans was difficult. He completed 59.4%, for 1,203 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions in seven games. Mariota stated that he was physically and mentally exhausted at the end of his three-year stint with the Titans.
“During my time in Tennessee we went through many different things. Mariota explained that I had to go through coaching changes and a broken ankle. These are all things that we would consider adversity. “I was tired at that time in my career in 2019. I was exhausted from the constant turnover, tired of being beat-up, and I wasn’t playing well. This is a performance-based industry, so things can happen.
“These past two years were a great reset for me. I was able take a step back and to learn. I feel like I did and these experiences have added a lot to my life.
Mariota’s attraction to the Falcons was Smith, whom he believes will always share his truthfulness with him. Mariota stated that he was not communicating with Smith enough, and was simply “trying to make it as easy as possible to please the coach”.
Mariota indicated that he hopes communication will improve as a result of the lessons he has learned with the Raiders. Smith stated Wednesday that Mariota was a part of the reason he wanted to bring Mariota into his team because of their mutual trust.
“He and I have seen a lot of progress. Smith stated that Ryan Tannehill and Smith are completely different players. So Marcus is just like Ryan, a high-end talent. He was a first round pick. He is in a new place in his career and I trust Marcus. Marcus will come in here and give us all he has.
He’s a top-end talent and understands the past. They’ve taught him, I’ve learnt from them, so we are excited about this opportunity.”
Mariota, if he wins the job, will become the Falcons’ new starting quarterback. He would be the first other starting quarterback since Matt Schaub took over for Ryan due to injury on Oct. 27, 2019. He would be Ryan’s only full-time starter. OregonJoey Harrington played the role of quarterback during the bulk of 2007 season.
Mariota will be wearing No. Because his traditional No. 8 is being used in Atlanta by the Falcons’ top receiver target, tight end Kyle PittsAccording to Mariota, the team reached out after there had been conversations about Ryan being traded. Mariota stated that Smith asked him if he would like to come in if Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis ColtsMariota was interested in Mariota’s decision to leave Monday.
Mariota was soon a Falcon.
Mariota explained that there was more excitement at the chance to be here at the end of each day. “To be there with Arthur.”