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.