Arthur Smith is obviously a fan of Marcus Mariota. The former top Titans pick was benched during Smith’s tenure in Tennessee, but the Falcons immediately scooped up Mariota after trading Matt Ryan, and Smith has had nothing but good things to say about him since.
In an interview with SiriusXM, Smith talked about the change he’s seen in Mariota since he last knew him, and the strength of the opportunity in front of him. While the team drafted Desmond Ridder in the third round and the rookie seems fated to make 2022 starts, Mariota has the early leg up on a starting job and will be working in an offense that will be suited to his strengths if things work as intended.