April 25, 2024
ATLANTA (AP) — There may be no better opportunity for Marcus Mariota to prove he can be more than a bridge at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons than in this week's matchup with San Francisco and its top-rated defense.
Mariota and the Falcons (2-3) face the 49ers (3-2), who allow only 12.2 points per game, tied for the league lead. The defense was dominant in last week's 37-15 win over the Carolina Panthers, another NFC South team.
Mariota has played about as expected of a former high draft pick trying to revive his career. He has only four touchdown passes with four interceptions but has given the offense another running threat.
Mariota has been held under 200 passing yards in three of five games. The Falcons have been a run-first offense, gaining at least 150 yards on the ground four times.
The 49ers lead the NFL in total defense and rushing defense. They rank third against the pass, so there are no easy answers for Mariota and the Falcons.
“We understand we got a big challenge in front of us,” Mariota said. “It’s a really good defense, great players who are kind of all over the board.”
The 49ers have overcome injuries to quarterback Trey Lance and running back Elijah Mitchell. Jimmy Garoppolo has five TD passes with one interception while Jeff Wilson Jr. has rushed for 375 yards while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
“I think he doesn’t mess around,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said of Wilson. “He knows himself, he puts his foot down and goes forward.”
The Falcons signed Mariota to a two-year deal immediately after trading 14-year starter Matt Ryan to Indianapolis. Rookie third-round pick Desmond Ridder has yet to play for Atlanta.
