Marcus Mariota
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder, foreground, throws during the NFL team's football practice, Friday, June 2, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Falcons' Ridder emboldened by 4-game audition entering 2023 as starting QB

By Charles Odum Jun. 07, 2023 04:24 PM EDT

FILE - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Atlanta. The Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Marcus Mariota have agreed on a one-year, $5 million contract, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday, March 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
AP source: Eagles, QB Marcus Mariota agree on 1-year deal

By Rob Maaddi Mar. 17, 2023 11:49 AM EDT

FILE - Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Marcus Mariota (1) and Desmond Ridder (4) prepare before a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Marcus Mariota on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in a move that was expected after the veteran was benched late in the 2022 season.The Falcons were 5-8 with Mariota as the starter before rookie Desmond Ridder started the final four games, winning two. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, FILE)
AP source: QB Heinicke returning home to sign with Falcons

By Paul Newberry Mar. 14, 2023 12:20 PM EDT

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Rodgers, QBs become top attractions at NFL combine

By Michael Marot Feb. 28, 2023 12:59 PM EST

FILE - Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks Marcus Mariota (1) and Desmond Ridder (4) prepare before a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. The Atlanta Falcons released quarterback Marcus Mariota on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in a move that was expected after the veteran was benched late in the 2022 season.The Falcons were 5-8 with Mariota as the starter before rookie Desmond Ridder started the final four games, winning two. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, FILE)
Falcons cut veteran QB Mariota, gain $12 million in cap room

By Charles Odum Feb. 28, 2023 11:08 AM EST

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and his wife Brittany, left, celebrate with their daughter, Sterling Skye Mahomes, after the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Mahomes, Cousins, Mariota part of new Netflix NFL docuseries

Feb. 22, 2023 04:01 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Falcons' Smith faces QB decision after another 7-10 finish

By Charles Odum Jan. 09, 2023 02:09 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cards turn to David Blough at QB against Ridder, Falcons

By The Associated Press Dec. 29, 2022 08:28 PM EST

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh greets Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder after an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 17-9. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Cardinals' Blough, Falcons rookie Ridder in QB spotlight

By Charles Odum Dec. 29, 2022 04:00 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith challenges a call during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Falcons' collapse not surprising but still painful for Smith

By George Henry Dec. 26, 2022 05:45 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs in for a two-point conversion in front of New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Ravens, Falcons may need to run -- even more than usual

By Noah Trister Dec. 22, 2022 09:45 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) throws against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Falcons will try again for first road victory over Ravens

By The Associated Press Dec. 22, 2022 03:19 PM EST

New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Falcons QB Ridder delivers mixed results in debut as starter

By Charles Odum Dec. 19, 2022 05:22 PM EST

New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport (92) hits Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) as he throws in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Falcons QB Ridder gives himself a poor grade on NFL debut

By Guerry Smith Dec. 18, 2022 07:37 PM EST

FILE - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4) throws before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 27, 2022, in Landover, Md. The Atlanta Falcons will have more on the line than retaining hope in the weak NFC South race as rookie quarterback Ridder makes his debut as the starter on Sunday, Dec. 18, at New Orleans. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)
Falcons-Saints rivalry renewed without season-opening QBs

By Brett Martel Dec. 15, 2022 08:29 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) pauses before answering questions during a news conference at the end of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Landover, Md. Washington won 13-19. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Falcons' Ridder has 4-game audition at QB with Mariota on IR

By Charles Odum Dec. 14, 2022 05:24 PM EST

FILE - Atlanta Falcons running back Damien Williams (6) watches during a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, on Aug. 12, 2022. The Falcons on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 released running back Damien Williams, the veteran who never returned after a rib injury in his first game with the team. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Falcons release RB Williams after injury-shortened season

Dec. 13, 2022 05:16 PM EST

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) and defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) defend during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Titans mired in 1st 3-game skid since Vrabel's debut season

By Teresa M. Walker Dec. 12, 2022 05:25 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Ridder Time: Falcons bench Mariota in favor of rookie QB

By Paul Newberry Dec. 12, 2022 03:10 PM EST

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin speaks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Atlanta. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 19-16. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Mariota or Ridder? Slumping Falcons ponder change at QB

By Paul Newberry Dec. 08, 2022 06:44 PM EST