Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Mariota named Falcons' starting QB

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jul 27, 2022 7:42 PM ET

Seven-year NFL veteran Marcus Mariota hasn't started an NFL game since 2019, playing backup to Derek Carr with the Las Vegas Raiders the past two seasons.

Mariota signed with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, where it appears his two-year start-less streak will end.

On Wednesday, the Falcons' first day of training camp, quarterbacks coach Charles London said Mariota would be the team's starter under center.

Caught up with Falcons QBs coach Charles London after practice. Of note: He said Marcus Mariota is the starter. London didn't have any hesitation in saying so.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) July 27, 2022

Entering camp, the Falcons' competition for starting quarterback, on paper, consisted of Mariota and rookie third-round pick Desmond Ridder. While the Falcons have high hopes for Ridder, who they selected with the No. 74 pick out of Cincinnati, they will go with the veteran for now.

"Obviously, we've got a plan for each of them. Marcus is the starter," London said on Wednesday. "That's how we're going into this thing."

The 28-year-old attempted only 30 passes in two seasons with the Raiders, going 18-for-30 for 230 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.

Mariota was drafted No. 2 overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2015. He started 61 games over five seasons with the Titans, compiling a 29-32-0 record in the regular season and a 1-1 mark in the postseason.

He finished his career with the Titans, passing for 13,207 yards with 77 touchdowns and 45 interceptions. On the ground, Mariota posted 1,574 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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