The Falcons are not in the best situations—Marcus Mariota the quarterback is shielding in the wind, and a rookie will start—but at least they are still in the postseason hunt.
No player enjoys sitting on the sidelines in a team sport, but there is also the notion that no player is greater than the team. The argument over this nuanced issue is at the heart of the tense situation playing out in Atlanta.
Falcons’ Marcus Mariota walks out of the team after benching recently.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota has reportedly left the team, with zero indication of “when or if” he might return.
The shocking news comes after just one-day head coach Arthur Smith announced Mariota’s benching on a “performance-based” basis, with third-round rookie Desmond Ridder.
In Week 15, the Falcons will face the New Orleans Saints.
“Of course, you want all of your guys to be playing, but guys have to make decisions.
It is a feature of professional sports. “One has to have contingency plans,” Smith said, adding that Mariota will most likely be placed in the injured reserve section due to a “chronic” knee injury.
Surprisingly, Smith also revealed that Mariota’s knee “has not been an issue this playing season, but that is [his] prerogative, so..”
Writing on the Wall, The Foresight: Marcus Mariota’s benching.
Though the news is shocking, it is hardly surprising in light of what has come before.
When speaking with the media last week, Smith hinted at a quarterback change. “We will have some important meetings in the next couple of days. I know where we are.
We understand that we’ve been in some close games recently and need to get back on track,” Smith said. “There will be adjustments.
I will make everything we decide to do as clear as possible.” It’s worth noting that Smith also informed the media that day that Mariota was unavailable due to his wife’s labour with their first child.
According to our sources, Smith informed Mariota this Thursday morning that Ridder will be starting in his place.
On Friday, the Falcons got the news that Mariota intended to leave the team.
“Those [discussions] are never easy,” Smith said of his conversation with Mariota. “You try to be honest, and whether they agree or not, because those are the conversations, you must have.”
Who is Marcus Mariota?
Mariota was traded to the Colts after they drafted him, and he is expected to sign a two-year, $18.75 million deal with them this offseason.
Mariota’s 0-3 record leaves him behind the Falcons’ record, and he has not looked that great doing it.
Alex Smith’s passing yards, touchdowns, and competition percentage are below average, as are his nine interceptions (7th highest in NFL).
From a statistical standpoint, Ridder’s performance in the preseason was far from stellar.
He completed 60.1% of his passes of 431 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions.
Smith says that the offense side “can operate at full capacity,” adjoining Ridder on the field.
The Atlanta Falcons have a huge game this Sunday when they take on the New Orleans Saints. The game will be broadcasted on Fox at 5:00 pm ET, and it’ll be hard to watch if you don’t have cable. But luckily, you can watch the game legally online with a streaming service like Sling TV or Hulu Live. If you’re looking for a free trial, check out the offer from Sling TV. Sling TV also offers a free Roku for a limited time – what are you waiting for?
Ultimately, we’ll all find out soon enough whether the rookie can or can’t whenever the Falcons head to New Orleans for Sunday’s game.
