NFL Power Rankings: Ranking every QB in the top-heavy NFC in 2022

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NFL Power Rankings: Quarterback Marcus Mariota #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up at halftime of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 33-22. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

NFL Power Rankings, NFC QB no. 15: Marcus Mariota, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have now drifted into the realm of irrelevancy after the Matt Ryan trade to the Indianapolis Colts.

In consecutive years now, the Falcons have traded staples of the franchise and the trade of Matt Ryan for just a third-round pick? Well, that one stings.

There is no question that the Atlanta Falcons are rebuilding under second-year GM and head coach tandem Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith. The question at this point is how the franchise will decide to move forward from arguably the most important player in recent franchise history.

Matt Ryan may not have been the difference-maker he once was at the QB position, but he is still Matt Ryan and many expect him to thrive with the Colts, who have a much better all-around roster around him.

For Marcus Mariota, the opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons is something he’s been waiting for for a couple of years. The former Oregon Ducks superstar QB and second overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft once looked like he was destined for NFL stardom, but he fizzled out in 2019 and hasn’t had a starting opportunity since then.

Now, he will get the chance in Atlanta with Kyle Pitts as his number one (only?) target and Cordarrelle Patterson out of the backfield.

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