What happened to Marcus Mariota? Falcons QB goes AWOL after getting benched
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota has decided to take time away from the team. This comes after the announcement that rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder will be starting for the Falcons in Week 15.
Mariota was also placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury, and he is not seen as part of the franchise's long-term future. He was benched due to his performances, and now Ridder has got the opportunity to prove his worth in the remaining games.
Speaking about Marcus Mariota heading to the IR, head coach Arthur Smith said this:
"That had nothing to do with the the move here, Josh, but there's, you know, a lot of athletes, some chronic, but nothing that's been an issue this season. But that's their prerogative. And so, you know, as this happens, you know, that's why we signed Logan on Saturday."
Smith added:
"I'll update you, but he's not here right now. So, you know, just give me full transparency... I'm not a medical expert, just telling you, it had nothing to do with the decision and we'll just see how the week plays out."
Arthur Smith straight blistered Marcus Mariota for essential quitting on the team after he was benched for his performance....
Pulled an "I'm hurt routine"..... Arthur Smith did not let up.. He called Marcus Mariota OUT https://t.co/4SyOBqZ6oj
Mariota is also celebrating the birth of his newborn child and after being benched, the former Tennessee Titans quarterback is also spending time with his family. This was certainly not taken well by fans around the league as they expected him to show more respect and commitment to the franchise.
Marcus Mariota's stats this season
The Atlanta Falcons are 5-8 heading into Week 15 and are still in the hunt for the playoffs. Mariota has had a sub-par season so far, and the Falcons have decided to move on from him.
He has a passer rating of 88.2 for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 13 games this season. Mariota also has 438 rushing yards along with four rushing touchdowns.
Seems like a good time to remember how electric Marcus Mariota was in college https://t.co/ELGv73MnYB
Marcus Mariota played as a dual-threat QB for the Atlanta Falcons this season. Without him along with Kyle Pitts, it will be interesting to see if they will be able to stay afloat in the playoff race.
Desmond Ridder is set to star in Week 15 for the Falcons
Desmond Ridder is in line to make his first-ever career start in the NFL on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Fans in Atlanta are excited to see how their rookie quarterback will play.
Desmond Ridder has been named the starting QB for the Falcons, head coach Arthur Smith announced. https://t.co/2S3iFu4KHN
He was the 74th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has arguably waited long enough for his chance. Ridder impressed many in the preseason and would love to do the same against the Saints in Week 15. We will see how he gets on in this huge divisional matchup.