Marcus Mariota probably knows that one of the most popular players on any NFL team is the backup quarterback.
Mariota has helped the Atlanta Falcons win their last two games and the Falcons (2-2) are now tied for first place in the NFC South Division. They will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2) on Sunday with first place in the division on the line.
Few Atlanta fans expected Mariota and the Falcons to be in their current position. Still, some fans have been mostly negative in their reviews on social media of Mariota and his play through four games. His performance — he completed 7 of 19 passes for 139 yards and had another fourth-quarter fumble during a 23-20 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 — only fueled the ire of a growing number of fans who are clamoring to see rookie backup Desmond Ridder.
Mariota is still growing comfortable in the Falcons’ offense and some fans forget that he’s playing again after spending two years on the sideline as a backup.
“It’s kind of coming game in and game out,” Mariota told reporters Wednesday. “As scenarios come up in games, just getting comfortable in those again I feel comfortable. I feel like I’m playing within our system.”
The critics point to Mariota struggling with ball security — his six fumbles are tied for second in the NFL and four of them have come in the fourth quarter.
Mariota said he and center Drew Dalman are constantly working on the exchange.
“Every single day in practice, we start with a ‘C and Q’ (center and quarterback) exchange,” Mariota told reporters Wednesday. “It’s something we’ll continue to work on and clean up.”
Atlanta coach Arthur Smith remains a strong supporter of Mariota, but he said there were some opportunities that Mariota and the offense failed to capitalize on against the Browns. Smith called a run play 14 consecutive times following a Mariota interception.
There have been positives for Mariota. His 7.9 yards per passing attempt ranks fourth and his average air yards of 5.1 per attempt ranks eighth in the NFL. Smith said Mariota’s escapability and mobility have helped the offense avoid negative plays.
“He got us out of (situations) where we would’ve been even further off track, he avoided some sacks, and threw the ball away,” Smith told reporters Wednesday. “As dumb as that may sound, when you throw it away, it keeps you out of sacks and momentum-changing plays.”
At the end of the day, with Mariota under center, the Falcons have won their last two games after suffering close losses in their first two games. Mariota said the versatility of the offense has allowed to him unlock his entire arsenal as a dual threat quarterback.
“It allows me to get into the feel of the game,” Mariota told reporters Wednesday. “Sometimes, especially for me as a quarterback, when you’re dropping back and you’re constantly going to the same spot, you kind of get numb a little bit. For me, to kind of get around and move around, it makes me feel like I’m in the game and I can use my legs.
“Our coaching staff does a great job of exposing a bunch of different looks and allowing us to play and feel free.”
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