Falcons Coach Explains Difference Between Matt Ryan & Marcus Mariota
The Atlanta Falcons are undergoing a major transition during the 2022 season.
After 14 years with Matt Ryan under center, the team is now shifting to Marcus Mariota, who played for the Las Vegas Raiders the past two seasons.
Before his time in Las Vegas, Mariota played five seasons with the Tennessee Titans, who drafted him No. 2 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Part of the Titans' brass that drafted him was current Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
Smith played a key role in bringing Mariota to Atlanta, and he's looking for the opportunity to revive his career in a Falcons jersey.
While Ryan was an established veteran, Mariota has a chip on his shoulder with something to prove. He also has rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder waiting in the wings and providing pressure to perform.
However, even with Ridder on the sidelines, the team is learning how to change from Ryan's style to Mariota's.
“Each guy is kind of different, but you have to figure out how each guy does it,” Falcons QB coach Charles London said. “Matt had his way of getting people’s attention, and Marcus has his own way of doing it. I think each guy has got to be himself, got to be authentic, has to be genuine, but Marcus has that about him where guys will follow him.”
Mariota is leading a relatively young offense with rookie wide receiver Drake London and second-year tight end Kyle Pitts as his starring pass-catchers, so having that leadership will be crucial for the Falcons signal-caller.
While the jury's still out on whether playing Mariota will lead to success, hearing the promising words from the coaches only helps Mariota and the Falcons move forward.
