Falcons qb 2023 – The Atlanta Falcons quarterback position is a hot topic of discussion heading into the 2023 season. With a new coaching staff in place, the Falcons are looking to find a long-term solution at the most important position on the field.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a deep dive into the Falcons’ quarterback situation, examining the strengths and weaknesses of the current roster, potential free agent targets, and draft prospects.
The Falcons have a number of options at quarterback, but none have proven to be a consistent performer. Marcus Mariota, who was signed to a two-year contract in 2022, is expected to be the starter again in 2023. However, he has struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout his career.
Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed some promise in limited action last season. He has a strong arm and good mobility, but he needs to improve his decision-making and accuracy.
The University of Southern California (USC) has a long and storied history of producing top-tier quarterbacks. In recent years, several Trojans signal-callers have been selected in the NFL Draft, including Matt Barkley, Cody Kessler, and Sam Darnold. USC quarterbacks drafted have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, and the program continues to churn out talented passers.
Quarterback Overview
The Atlanta Falcons face a crucial decision regarding their quarterback position in 2023. With Marcus Mariota set to become a free agent and Desmond Ridder still unproven, the team has several options to explore.
The Falcons’ current quarterback roster has strengths and weaknesses. Mariota has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency and durability. Ridder, on the other hand, is a promising young player with athleticism and arm strength but lacks experience.
Potential areas for improvement include finding a quarterback who can consistently produce at a high level, make quick decisions, and protect the football. The Falcons also need a quarterback who can effectively operate the team’s offense, which emphasizes running the ball and play-action passing.
Top Quarterback Candidates
| Player | Experience | Key Statistics | Strengths/Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derek Carr | 9 seasons | 3,522 passing yards, 24 TDs, 14 INTs (2022) | Accurate passer, experienced leader; Lacks mobility, injury concerns |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | 8 seasons | 3,810 passing yards, 24 TDs, 12 INTs (2022) | Efficient passer, good decision-maker; Injury-prone, limited upside |
| Baker Mayfield | 5 seasons | 3,428 passing yards, 15 TDs, 12 INTs (2022) | Strong arm, competitive spirit; Accuracy issues, off-field concerns |
| Sam Darnold | 5 seasons | 3,027 passing yards, 17 TDs, 15 INTs (2022) | Talented passer, athleticism; Turnover-prone, lacks consistency |
| Geno Smith | 9 seasons | 4,282 passing yards, 30 TDs, 11 INTs (2022) | Unexpected breakout season, accurate passer; Age, durability concerns |
Free Agent Quarterbacks
Several notable quarterbacks are expected to be available in free agency in 2023, including:
- Jacoby Brissett
- Teddy Bridgewater
- Andy Dalton
- Ryan Tannehill
- Gardner Minshew
These quarterbacks offer varying levels of experience, skillsets, and salary expectations. The Falcons will need to carefully consider their options and identify the best fit for their team.
Draft Prospects
The 2023 NFL Draft is expected to feature several talented quarterback prospects, including:
- CJ Stroud (Ohio State)
- Anthony Richardson (Florida)
- Bryce Young (Alabama)
- Will Levis (Kentucky)
- Tanner McKee (Stanford)
These prospects possess a range of abilities and athleticism, and the Falcons will need to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses to determine the best fit for their system.
Offensive Scheme Considerations, Falcons qb 2023
Head coach Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme emphasizes a physical running game and play-action passing. The quarterback in this system needs to be able to make quick decisions, protect the football, and deliver accurate passes on the run.
Certain quarterback candidates may be better suited to this scheme than others. For example, a quarterback with a strong arm and mobility, such as Anthony Richardson, could thrive in Smith’s offense.
The University of Southern California has a rich history of producing top-notch quarterbacks. In the NFL Draft, the Trojans have had several signal-callers selected, including Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Mark Sanchez. USC quarterbacks drafted have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, winning Super Bowls and earning Pro Bowl honors.
Long-Term Outlook
The Falcons’ long-term outlook at the quarterback position depends on the decisions they make in 2023. If they sign a veteran quarterback, they may be able to compete for a playoff berth in the short term.
However, if they draft a young quarterback, they will need to be patient and allow him to develop. The Falcons could also trade for a quarterback in the future, but this would depend on the availability of suitable options.
Final Summary: Falcons Qb 2023
The Falcons have a number of options at quarterback, but none have proven to be a consistent performer. Marcus Mariota, who was signed to a two-year contract in 2022, is expected to be the starter again in 2023. However, he has struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout his career.
Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed some promise in limited action last season. He has a strong arm and good mobility, but he needs to improve his decision-making and accuracy.
The Falcons could also look to add a veteran quarterback through free agency or trade. Some potential targets include Jimmy Garoppolo, Baker Mayfield, and Jacoby Brissett. However, it is unclear if any of these quarterbacks would be a significant upgrade over Mariota or Ridder.
The most likely scenario is that the Falcons will give Mariota another chance to prove himself in 2023. If he struggles, the team could turn to Ridder or look to add a veteran quarterback. The Falcons also have the No.
8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, so they could potentially select a quarterback with their first pick.
