4 Atlanta Falcons Players Who Deserve to Be Benched After Week 1 Embarrassment

Marcus Mariota

Marcus Mariota was brought in to be the savior of the Atlanta Falcons offense, but he looked anything but that in Week 1. The former No. 2 overall pick completed just 59.3% of his passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also fumbled the ball twice. Mariota's performance was so bad that he was benched in the fourth quarter in favor of rookie Desmond Ridder. If Mariota wants to keep his starting job, he needs to play a lot better than he did in Week 1.

Kyle Pitts

Kyle Pitts was one of the most hyped players in the NFL heading into the 2022 season, but he was a non-factor in Week 1. The tight end was targeted just four times and caught just two passes for 19 yards. Pitts was also called for a holding penalty that negated a big play. The Falcons need Pitts to be a major part of their offense, but he needs to start producing more if he wants to keep his starting job.

A.J. Terrell

A.J. Terrell was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL last season, but he struggled mightily in Week 1. The Saints targeted Terrell 10 times, and he allowed seven receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. Terrell also had a pass interference penalty that gave the Saints a first down. Terrell needs to play a lot better if the Falcons want to have any chance of success this season.

Mykal Walker

Mykal Walker was one of the Falcons' best defensive players last season, but he was a liability in Week 1. The linebacker was responsible for several missed tackles, and he also had a coverage bust that led to a Saints touchdown. Walker needs to play a lot better if the Falcons want to have any chance of success this season.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Falcons were embarrassed in Week 1, and several players deserve to be benched. Marcus Mariota, Kyle Pitts, A.J. Terrell, and Mykal Walker all had poor performances, and they need to play a lot better if the Falcons want to have any chance of success this season.