Mariota is underrated right now

By: Jake Rajala

The Atlanta Falcons signed the former Oregon Duck Marcus Mariota this off-season. Mariota inked a contract that was below $10 million a season, but he can certainly be a massive steal and talent for the Falcons. I really believe he is an underrated dual-threat QB and he can be the opposite of fellow NFC South elusive QB Taysom Hill.

With that stated, here are three reasons why Mariota is an underrated QB.

• efficiency

Mariota may have lost the keys to the Titans starting QB spot, but he was an excellent Alex Smith-like QB for most of his Titans career. He had a winning record in three out of his first four seasons in the NFL. He also only had one season with 11+ interceptions. He isn’t going to throw careless interceptions and he can make big-time throws outside of the pocket in pivotal moments.

• rushing ability

Mariota can be effective and hard to defend with his ability to outrun many linebackers in the league. He ousted 300+ yards rushing in three out of his first four seasons in the NFL. He actually has averaged 6.0 yards per carry in his career, which is above Russell Wilson’s YPC (5.5). His athletic ability will also help the Falcons 31st ranked rushing attack from last season improve in 2022.

• Potential

The NFL world witnessed Jameis Winston receive a “Harvard education” behind Drew Brees and then send into a quality starting QB in 2021 (5-2 record). I believe Mariota has gotten wiser as the QB2 in Las Vegas. He is also 28 years old (the same age as Winston) and I expect him to have fresh legs in ATL. If Mariota can take care of the football and make lots of flashy plays next season, the Falcons may opt to build around him in the 2023 offseason.