Falcons QB Marcus Mariota ‘Didn’t Understand’ Benching for Desmond Ridder

Because the Atlanta Falcons (5-8) put together for Sunday’s sport in opposition to the New Orleans Saints (4-9) at Caesar’s Superdome, they’ll be doing so with out quarterback Marcus Mariota below middle for the primary time all season.

Mariota, an eight-year veteran, was benched in the course of the bye week in favor of rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder, who will make his NFL debut in New Orleans.

It marked the second time Mariota’s been benched, the opposite coming in 2019 with the Tennessee Titans, and likewise the top of his second likelihood at being a starter, one thing he acknowledged would not all the time occur.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith dubbed it a “performance-based resolution,” citing the necessity for elevated manufacturing and the prospect of a “spark” at quarterback. It was a good evaluation from Smith, as Mariota threw for over 200 yards simply as soon as over his ultimate 10 begins … however the former Heisman Trophy winner did not agree, in accordance with CBS Sports activities.

“A supply says Mariota took the benching very arduous, which is not unusual within the sport. He did not perceive why he was being benched, although the bye week was a pure time for the Falcons to make the change from their struggling quarterback.” – CBS Sports activities’ Jonathan Jones

Mariota’s ultimate few days with the crew have been busy, beginning Monday, when he and his spouse welcomed their first youngster. Three days later, Mariota misplaced his beginning job – however made positive to drop off some recommendation to Ridder earlier than leaving the constructing.

The next day, Mariota’s illustration approached the Falcons concerning knee surgical procedure for the 29-year-old. He has since been positioned on injured reserve, ending his season and, virtually actually, time in Atlanta.

Mariota is ready to bear surgical procedure within the coming days earlier than attacking rehab and taking up dad duties, with Ridder and lately acquired Logan Woodside in line to deal with quarterback tasks.

For the season, Mariota completed 184 of 300 (61.3 p.c completion price) for two,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions whereas including 85 rushes for 438 yards and 4 touchdowns on the bottom.

Mariota’s accomplished at the least 20 passes solely twice all season, and the Falcons’ passing offense ranks No. 31 league-wide in passing yards per sport with 155.

However nonetheless, he did not fairly perceive Smith’s resolution – and now it is as much as Ridder to show who your best option actually was.

The Falcons, with Mariota not within the constructing, and Saints are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m.

You possibly can observe Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

Get your HOTlanta Falcons sport tickets from SI Tickets … right here!

Need the most recent in breaking information and insider data on the Falcons? Click on Right here.

Observe Falcon Report on Twitter.

Need much more Atlanta Falcons information? Take a look at the Si.com crew web page right here