It was once thought Atlanta was going to be the perfect landing place for former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. After a tumultuous stay in Las Vegas with the Raiders, the Ducks’ only Heisman winner signed a two-year deal with the Falcons and was named the starter almost right away.
Unfortunately what looked great on paper didn’t live up to reality.
Atlanta got off to a tough start and then benched Mariota in favor of rookie Desmond Ridder. Then Mariota left the team to nurse an injury and be with his wife has the couple welcomed their first child. Evidently, that didn’t sit well with the Atlanta brass and they released Mariota.
Now he’s looking for a new destination and according to Bleacher Report, the nation’s capital is the best landing spot for Mariota. Here’s an excerpt from what writer Maurice Moton.
Because of his experience, Mariota could have an edge over (Sam) Howell and at least start the season under center as he did last year with the Falcons. Mariota would play under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who has experienced success in Kansas City, and with a defense that ranked seventh in scoring for the 2022 term. In Washington, he could win several games before the team hands the offense over to a younger, high-upside signal-caller.
No matter where he ends up, we can only hope Mariota can stay healthy and have a full season to show what he has left in the gas tank.
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