FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After two consecutive losses, Falcons coach Arthur Smith is not ready to bench quarterback Marcus Mariota in favor of rookie Desmond Ridder, who has not played a down this season.
“There is no situation,” Smith said Monday. “There was never a situation ever. I don’t know where that … You understand why the question is getting asked. You lose two games in five days. Everybody wants to panic.”
The Falcons (4-6) are set to host the Chicago Bears (3-7) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons are in second place in the NFC South and trail the Bucs (5-5) by one game with seven to play.
“We’re right where we want to be,” Smith said. “The reality is that you’re right in the middle of the playoff race. A conference opponent coming in here for a game that we need to win.”
Mariota is coming off a 19-of-30 passing performance for 186 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. There were at least three other passes that could have been intercepted, including one he threw while rolling around on the ground. He was ruled down by contact.