Marcus Mariota on working with Arthur Smith, what it means to ‘play free’

Dig that term. Getting Mariota to operate that way would be a positive thing for the Falcons offense. He’s already feeling that push to do so from the coaching staff, to trust what he sees, to read right and react.

“From a standpoint of playing free – we talk about it constantly in the quarterback room – sometimes you can get really robotic. Especially me,” Mariota said. “You can get, ‘here’s your progression: 1, 2, 3, 4,’ but the game doesn’t always work that way. Working with [offensive coordinator Dave Ragone] and [quarterbacks coach Charles] London, being able come to the 7-on-7s and jog-throughs and just play free, play what you see and trust your eyes.”