Marcus Mariota Named Falcons' Starting QB over Desmond Ridder at Start of Camp

It didn't take long for Marcus Mariota to become the starter of the Atlanta Falcons.

We have a plan for each one of them. After the first practice of training camp on Wednesday, quarterbacks coach Charles London said that Marcus is the starter. We're going into this thing in that way.

London said he expected those guys to compete. Marcus is the starter right now and he is doing a great job.

Since the Atlanta Falcons traded Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts, Marcus Mariota became the presumed starter.

It was fair to wonder if his starting job was in danger when the team selected Ridder in the third round.

Ridder's ceiling is high and he may eventually get an opportunity down the road, but he can't match the experience of the other players at this point.

He became a household name when he won the Heisman and led the Oregon to a national title. He was selected with the second overall pick in the 2015 draft by the TennesseeTitans.

During his five years with the team, he started 61 games and led the team to a playoff win. He threw for more than 3000 yards in each of the last two years.

He has not started a game since he lost his starting job to Ryan Tannehill.

At his best, Mariota can make plays with both his legs and his arm, and he will rely on tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London while looking to lead the Falcons to a quick start.

Ridder will be waiting for that quick start.