Mariota

liveoakh said

This1000000%This

Take a look at this depth chart.

https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news...eading-into-week-1-of-2022-nfl-regular-season
If the Falcons score more than 2 TDs on us. Our defense is loafing, and not elite. Spot the -5.5 points. If we have any hope of winning the division this year. We have to dominate on defense.

Click to expand...

Repeat after me: "I will not overreact to week 1."


As for Mariota and his running threat. I mean...are running QBs the greatest players in the league or is it still dictated by passing from the pocket? You can basically sit back in zone and dare him to beat us with his arm. You pass rush to contain him and rely on pressure in his face from your tackles or guys like Onyemata or Turner.

Stay disciplined. On both the read option and all the fakes and misdirections they're sure to throw at us.

Another thing is they can only throw all that extra stuff at us if they have the luxury of keeping the game close. If our offense can be crisp and efficient and put up points nearly every possession, then that takes away Mariota's legs just as effectively as a QB spy with 95 speed on Madden would.