Xuenou > Popular > Falcons QB Marcus Mariota’s starting future uncertain after ugly loss to Panthers
Falcons QB Marcus Mariota’s starting future uncertain after ugly loss to Panthers
Falcons QB Marcus Mariota's starting future uncertain after ugly loss to Panthers,With the Falcons still in the NFC South hunt at 4-6, there will be no easy answers for Atlanta on how to move forward at the game's most important position.

Falcons QB Marcus Mariota’s starting future uncertain after ugly loss to Panthers

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota’s future as a starter has come into question after Atlanta’s 25-15 defeat to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. 

Mariota has had his ups and downs since stepping into the lead role in the Falcons offense, but Thursday night’s performance was his worst in Atlanta to date. 

The former Titans quarterback threw for 186 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, but his erratic decision-making created some unfortunate highlights. 

One pass late in the fourth quarter saw Mariota carelessly throw the ball as he was falling right into the hands of a Carolina defender. 

How’d you lose your starting job?

Marcus Mariota:pic.twitter.com/BIlIBH8uHw

— Gump Cathcart (@bubbagumpino) November 11, 2022

The Falcons have created an identity under head coach Arthur Smith as a run-first team, which is the strongest attribute Mariota offers as a starting quarterback. However, he was limited to 43 yards on the ground on three rushes to add to his lackluster passing reps. 

Mariota and tight end Kyle Pitts also do not seem in sync, with the former first-round pick held to two catches for 28 yards for yet another quiet outing.

The question of whether or not 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder could supplant Mariota in the starting lineup will continue to bubble underneath the surface in Flowery Branch. 

However, Smith has been reluctant to address the growing elephant in the room that is Mariota’s status as starting quarterback.

Arthur Smith when asked about possibly making a QB change before Bears game: “We look every week to make sure we have the right guys in the right spot.”

— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) November 11, 2022

The Falcons have a longer week to ready Ridder if it’s indeed his time. However, with the Falcons still in the NFC South hunt at 4-6, there will be no easy answers for Atlanta on how to move forward at the game’s most important position.