Being in the position of being a bridge quarterback is always tricky for a player. While earning the opportunity to start for an NFL team should never be taken for granted, this is still not an ideal place to be in, knowing it’s only a matter of time before the young quarterback takes over behind center. Marcus Mariota found himself in that position as soon as the Falcons selected Desmond Ridder in the third round of this year’s draft. Following the rookie’s outstanding preseason, the calls to start him over Mariota grew loud and persistent.
Although Arthur Smith often spoke highly of Ridder, he stayed committed to the quarterback he was calling plays for three years ago in Tennessee.