Jul 27, 2022; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Marcus Mariota (1) and Desmond Ridder (4) talk on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports — © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons Name Marcus Mariota Starting QB

Desmond Ridder has a defined role before we hit August.

Author:
Russ Heltman
Jul 28, 2022 2:10 PM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — People wondered how much of a QB competition the Atlanta Falcons would have in Training Camp, and we already have our answer. Atlanta selected former Bearcats star, Desmond Ridder, in the draft but is rolling with Mariota before the competition ever sparks up.

“I expect those guys to compete,” QBs coach Charles London confirmed to The Athletic's Josh Kendall after the opening practice. “Right now, Marcus is the starter, and he’s doing a great job.”

Mariota signed a 2-year, $18.75 million contract this offseason and impressed enough to make this a no-brainer for London and head coach Arthur Smith. Ridder is the entrenched backup, and how he performs the rest of camp will be important towards getting on the field this season.

That being said, Mariota has a strong relationship with Smith from their time in Tennessee and if he plays well, there's no doubt the locker room will back him.

The former No. 2 overall pick is considered one of the best leaders in the NFL. Unseating him will be very difficult in that scenario, but Mariota's never been able to translate that locker room success on the field for extended periods of time.

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