The Atlanta Falcons enter week four of the NFL season with pressure mounting.
Last week, the Carolina Panthers handed them a blowout loss, and now, the Falcons will face a familiar challenge.
Former Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota returns to Atlanta as the starting quarterback of the Washington Commanders.
This is a revenge game the Falcons can’t afford to lose.
It’s a must-win.
With plenty on the line for the Falcons, they can’t afford to stumble at the hands of their old quarterback.
Mariota Returns To Atlanta
Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty ImagesLANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Washington Commanders looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Northwest Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Mariota’s history with the Falcons is one with many ups and downs.
The Falcons signed Mariota to a two-year deal in 2022, after their longtime stalwart Matt Ryan was traded.
Mariota became the incumbent starter on a team that was clearly in the midst of transition.
At the start of the season, Mariota showed flashes of athleticism and leadership and gave the Falcons moments of hope.
Atlanta hoped he would recindle some of the best play he provided the Tennessee Titans after coming in to play during the second quarter of the 2019 AFC Championship game.
Ultimately, Mariota’s inconsistent play plagued his time under center with the Falcons, and he was benched after week 13 for quarterback Desmond Ridder.
Mariota started 13 games passing for 2,219 yards, 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
Now, Mariota returns wearing a different jersey and with a starting role.
The Commanders turn to Mariota for the second straight week, as Jayden Daniels continues to heal from injury.
Coming off a commanding win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Mariota hopes to continue his revenge tour.
For the Falcons, this game could carry an emotional edge.
Facing a former quarterback always adds extra intensity, and stopping Mariota and securing a win will show once again that Atlanta has moved forward.
Falcons Need A Statement Win
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 21: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Atlanta Falcons runs the ball during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The Falcons can’t afford another showing like last week.
Carolina ran them off the field, exposing weakness across the board.
Head coach Raheem Morris knows this week is about urgency, as Atlanta continues to claw their way to the top of the NFC South.
Everything will be under the microscope.
Quarterback Michael Penix will look to bounce back after what was arguably his worst performance of his professional career.
Additionally, the Falcons must lean on their skill position players in Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts to provide a spark for the offense.
Defensively, the objective is clear.
Stop Marcus Mariota.
The Falcons enter their revenge matchup placing second in total defense, allowing only 229 yards per game.
The Falcons also rank second in pass defense with 129 yards per game.
This matchup for Atlanta feels like a pivot point in their season.
Beat you’re old quarterback at home and regain momentum.
Lose again, and questions about coaching, leadership, and the quarterback will continue to get louder.
The Falcons face a big test, and the storyline is on the table.
Their former quarterback is back in town, trying to spoil their season.
Atlanta must meet the moment head-on.
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