The Atlanta Falcons aren’t closing the door on making a change at quarterback, it just doesn’t appear to be a move they've deemed necessary at this juncture.
From the outside, there seems to be a fairly clear vision at the position for the Falcons. They picked Desmond Ridder in the third round of the draft back in April, which came after they signed Marcus Mariota in free agency. Having Mariota around gives them a competent NFL starter to bridge the gap from Matt Ryan to Ridder.
But despite some decent showings this season, Mariota has been trending downwards of late. The Falcons’ loss to the Panthers last Thursday was a low point, and led to calls from the fanbase to consider a change. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has indicated that such a move is not imminent, and he explained why Wednesday in his weekly appearance on “Dukes and Bell.”
“I understand the questions," Smith said. "But the way we’re playing right now, and really about who the opponent is coming in Sunday, and where we currently stand, we feel he gives us the best chance the way we’re built today.
“But as with any position, if it’s something that’s going to help our team, is in the best interest for our team, then we’ll pivot and do that. We’re not rigid about it, but there’s a lot that goes into the decision, and it’s still a team sport, it doesn’t come down to just one person.”
While that remark does commit to Mariota in the near term, the door very much appears ajar for the Ridder to get an opportunity later in the season.
Although they’re 4-6, the Falcons are just one game out of first place in the NFC South. For now, they seem to believe Mariota gives them the best chance to win this season, but that could be subject to change.
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