David Chao, MD
2 min read • August 05, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 7-10| 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 4.5
It is a new era in Atlanta with former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan traded to Colts in the offseason. As fans eagerly await the development of 2022 draft pick Desmond Ridder, former second overall pick Marcus Mariota will take over the QB one position.
Over the last two years with the Las Vegas Raiders as Derek Carr’s backup, Mariota has appeared in 11 games and thrown for 230 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. This year will be the first time since his stint with the Titans where Mariota will have the opportunity for substantial playing time.
Catching Mariota’s passes will be 2022 first-round pick Drake London who is returning after a dominant college career at USC. He is expected to be healthy following his ankle injury that limited him in workouts prior to the draft. In just eight games last year, the dynamic receiver raked up 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Altanta’s breakout star in 2021 Cordarelle Patterson returns to the squad as a rushing and receiving option. In his career-high year, the versatile receiver ran for 618 yards and 3 touchdowns while catching passes for 548 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Cornerback Isaiah Oliver is nearly 10 months removed from his ACL injury. He is not on PUP but is not 100 percent to start the year.
Linebacker Deion Jones is on the physically unable to perform list because he had shoulder surgery after last season. It is a shoulder injury that has lingered from college but the Docs believe Jones will not have any lingering effects once he is fully recovered.
Starting free safety Jaylinn Hawkins who dealt with an ankle injury that kept him out for three games is fully healthy.
Mariota’s demise as a starter in Tennessee began with injuries. The former Titans starting quarterback injury issues began in 2018 when suffered a pinched nerve in his elbow, which resulted in issues with gripping the ball. The nerve issues continued to plague the quarterback as his deep ball accuracy faltered. He ultimately lost his job to Ryan Tannehill with the nerve issues lingering.
As Carr's back up in Las Vegas, Mariota dealt with injuries to his quad and pec. The Docs do not anticipate those injuries impacting Mariota in his first season as Matt Ryan’s replacement.
While the former USC receiver suffered a right ankle fracture and dislocation that ended his college career early, he is not likely to be limited by the injury in his first season in the NFL. It is the same injury Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle sustained before his rookie season, which did not limit him in any way considering he posted a 1,015-yard season. The 2022 first-round draft pick said he is back to 100 percent.
Written by David Chao, MD
#Falcons 8th overall pick, WR Drake London, with a catch in tight coverage.
