The NFL world was left in shock this week after Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris made a surprising and unexpected revelation ahead of his team’s next game. As the Falcons continue to navigate a season full of ups and downs, Morris’ comments have added a new layer of intrigue to their upcoming matchup, raising questions about his team’s future and the direction of the franchise.
Atlanta’s game against their divisional rivals, the Carolina Panthers, was already set to be a highly competitive affair. But following Morris’ statement, the stakes feel even higher, not just for the game but for the broader trajectory of the Falcons’ season.
The Shocking Revelation
During a press conference earlier this week, Raheem Morris made an admission that immediately turned heads: **he revealed that the Falcons are considering a change at quarterback for their upcoming game.** While Morris did not explicitly name names, sources inside the Falcons’ camp have hinted that **despite Desmond Ridder’s start to the season, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota could be getting a chance to lead the offense moving forward.
“Right now, we’re looking at all possibilities,” Morris said when asked about the quarterback situation. “We’ve got two talented guys at the position, and it’s all about who gives us the best chance to win each week. Marcus has been working hard, and I’m not ruling anything out at this point.”
This revelation has taken the Atlanta fanbase by surprise. After the Falcons invested in Desmond Ridder as their quarterback of the future, and with the team showing flashes of promise, the notion of making a switch at the position—especially in the middle of the season—sends a signal that things may not be as smooth as they seem in Atlanta.
Why This Is Such a Shocking Move
1. The Falcons’ Investment in Desmond Ridder
Desmond Ridder, drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was seen as the future of the Falcons’ quarterback position. While Ridder has shown moments of potential, his play has been inconsistent. With flashes of accuracy, poise, and leadership, he has still struggled at times with decision-making and overall offensive execution.
However, for Morris to even suggest that a change at quarterback is on the table after Ridder was given the reins to lead the team this season raises questions about how much faith the coaching staff has in the young signal-caller moving forward. It could be a sign that the Falcons, despite their long-term plans, may not be seeing the immediate results they had hoped for from Ridder.
2. Marcus Mariota’s Experience
Marcus Mariota, the former second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, brings a wealth of experience to the table. After spending several years with the Tennessee Titans and a season with the Las Vegas Raiders, Mariota joined the Falcons as a backup in 2022. In limited action last season, Mariota showcased his athleticism, but also his struggles with consistency and turnover issues.
If the Falcons were to make the switch to Mariota, it would be an attempt to tap into his veteran leadership and ability to manage games. Mariota’s experience running a similar offense under head coach Arthur Smith in Tennessee could provide a stability that the team feels is lacking at the moment. But, a decision like this in the middle of the season could also signal growing frustration with Ridder’s lack of development.
3. A Quarterback Controversy in Atlanta
The prospect of a quarterback controversy in the middle of the season, especially in a year where the Falcons were hoping for some continuity at the position, creates a storm of uncertainty. With both Ridder and Mariota possessing different skill sets, it’s unclear how the locker room would respond to a change. Quarterbacks are the cornerstone of any franchise, and this revelation could have ripple effects on team morale, with players now uncertain about who will be leading them on Sundays.
The Impact on the Falcons’ Offense
1. **Changing the Offensive Dynamic**
Desmond Ridder, a more traditional pocket passer with some mobility, and Marcus Mariota, a dual-threat quarterback known for his legs as much as his arm, would bring two very different dynamics to the offense. While Ridder has the potential to grow into a poised playmaker, Mariota’s ability to extend plays with his legs could give the Falcons a different look, especially in high-pressure situations.
For offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, this could be a difficult adjustment. Smith has crafted his offense around a balanced run game, featuring star running back Bijan Robinson, and play-action passing. While Ridder has shown flashes of being capable in the system, switching to Mariota might alter how the Falcons approach game plans, with Mariota’s mobility opening up more opportunities for designed quarterback runs and bootlegs. The real question, though, is whether that shift in style would be enough to elevate the Falcons’ offense to the level necessary to contend in a competitive NFC South.
2. The Playoff Push
The Falcons are currently in the mix for a playoff spot, and every game counts. A switch at quarterback could be a move to spark the offense and energize a team that, at times, has looked stagnant. But with a critical divisional game against the Panthers looming, the timing of this change raises more questions than answers. The Falcons need stability, and pulling the trigger on a quarterback swap at this juncture could risk derailing their playoff hopes, especially if the change doesn’t lead to immediate results.
3. Supporting Cast and Player Development
Another consideration is how a potential quarterback change would affect the development of key playmakers like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. These young stars need consistent, effective quarterback play to maximize their potential. Switching quarterbacks midseason could disrupt that growth, especially for Ridder, who was expected to evolve alongside the team’s rising offensive weapons.
The Bigger Picture: Is This a Panic Move?
Raheem Morris’ comments suggest that the Falcons are exploring all options to get their offense firing on all cylinders. With the NFC South being one of the most unpredictable divisions in the league this season, the Falcons are still very much in the playoff hunt. However, this shocking revelation may signal more of a panic move than a long-term solution.
Morris’ suggestion that Mariota could take over the starting job for the next game suggests that the Falcons are beginning to doubt Ridder’s ability to develop quickly enough to lead them to the postseason. It’s possible that the coaching staff feels a sense of urgency and is willing to make bold moves to maximize the team’s chances of success in the short term, even if it means disrupting the longer-term development plan.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the Falcons
The Falcons’ decision to consider a quarterback change ahead of their next game against the Panthers is a high-stakes move with big implications. Whether it’s a signal of frustration with Desmond Ridder’s development or a calculated attempt to find a spark with Marcus Mariota, the decision is bound to have significant consequences for the team, its players, and its fans.
The road to the playoffs is narrowing, and Raheem Morris’ unexpected revelation only adds to the drama surrounding the Falcons’ 2023 season. Fans will be watching closely to see who leads the offense on Sunday—and how this decision will shape the rest of Atlanta’s season.