5 NFL Quarterbacks likely to be benched in 2022

1. Atlanta Falcons, Marcus Mariota

The Atlanta Falcons are doing their best to tank. Maybe that’s a stretch given how close the games have been. Marcus Mariota is doing his best as the quarterback on a rebuilding team. In week one, he looked like the No. 2 overall pick with the way he ran and threw the ball. He had 72 yards rushing and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to score a passing touchdown.

Against the Rams, they battled hard in the fourth quarter scoring 17 points. Mariota finished with two passing touchdowns but also two interceptions.

With the schedule ahead, the Falcons aren’t in any position to win more than a game over the next five weeks. There’s no need to continue to play Mariota if they end up 1-6. By that time, Arthur Smith may want to look at Desmond Ridder. The Falcons took Ridder in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He should and probably will get the nod at some point this season.

The former Cincinnati Bearcat is an athletically gifted quarterback with a big arm and a high ceiling. If he flames out, the Falcons will continue to fall and end up with CJ Stroud as their No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.