Marcus Mariota is proving this year that he's best as a two second guy, that is is in getting the ball out of his hands in two seconds.
Quicker is better so far this season for Mariota, as Jon Chuckery went into detail on today's Steakhouse and broke down to the second his effectiveness as a passer - "When he's in the pocket less than two-and-a-half seconds, 67% completion percentage, 8 touchdowns, 4 interceptions. When he's the pocket more than two-and-a-half seconds, that comes down to 58% with two touchdowns and two interceptions."
This seems pretty easy to translate. The quicker Mariota can diagnose the coverages and deliver the football, the better he is as a passer. This team still understands just how vital the running game is its offensive success, but Arthur Smith is finding ways to to get the most out of Mariota in the pocket. And that is making sure he's getting the ball out and getting it out fast.
Chuckery added, "When he (Mariota) is just drop back, one read, go, that's when he's at his best." Marcus finished yesterday with his highest passing yardage total so far this season, 253, along with with a season high three touchdown passes in the Falcons 37-34 win over the Panthers. His 30 yard zone read keeper to convert a third down in overtime set the Falcons up for their game winning Younghoe Koo field goal.
After yesterday's win, the Falcons now sit at 4-4 and in first place in the NFC South.
