Marcus Mariota has much different story than Arthur Smith of fallout with Falcons
It feels like the Marcus Mariota era was a lifetime ago, but the former Falcons quarterback is back in the headlines, telling his side of the story from his time in Atlanta with Arthur Smith. Let me jog your memory if you forgot. Mariota signed a two-year deal with the Falcons and proceeded to start […] The post Marcus Mariota has much different story than Arthur Smith of fallout with Falcons appeared first on SportsTalkATL.com.
It feels like the Marcus Mariota era was a lifetime ago, but the former Falcons quarterback is back in the headlines, telling his side of the story from his time in Atlanta with Arthur Smith.
Let me jog your memory if you forgot. Mariota signed a two-year deal with the Falcons and proceeded to start 13 games, throwing for 2,219 yards and 15 touchdowns against just nine interceptions on 61.3% passing.
Ultimately, he fell out of favor with the coaching staff and was benched for the rookie Desmond Ridder, but that’s where things get weird. After learning about his demotion, the veteran seemingly stepped away from the Falcons. A phantom injury ended his season despite never appearing on any injury report.
According to reports, the Falcons informed Mariota of the decision on a Thursday morning, and by Friday, the team learned Mariota planned to step away. Former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith even went as far as to say the injury wasn’t an issue all season and that it was his own prerogative.
Well, apparently, that’s not exactly what happened, according to Mariota. During a sit-down with Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, Mariota explained that he, Arthur Smith, and Terry Fontenot had an understanding that he was going to have surgery and basically be welcomed back.
Marcus Mariota, Arthur Smith and ATL GM all agreed Marcus would be back the following year and they agreed no matter what Marcus can go get his knee checked out. Marcus leaves to get his knee looked at, Arthur Smith lies and makes it seem Marcus quit on the team so Marcus, hurt.. pic.twitter.com/9bAY8nH2Cv
— MM18 (@amaradventures) April 22, 2025
It’s just another microcosm of the dysfunctional mess that was the Falcons under Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot. It feels like some of that has bled over to Raheem Morris, but I’m hoping that the Michael Penix Jr. era brings more favorable outcomes for this franchise.
A great quarterback can mask a lot of an organization’s shortcomings. Just think back to Matt Ryan’s time in Atlanta.
—
Photographer: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
The post Marcus Mariota has much different story than Arthur Smith of fallout with Falcons appeared first on SportsTalkATL.com.
What's Your Reaction?
