Week 7 vs. Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a team in transition, trading their quarterback of 14 years, Matt Ryan. The Falcons will now come into Paul Brown Stadium with a new veteran quarterback, Marcus Mariota unless University of Cincinnati draft pick Desmond Ridder beats him out. Second-year Falcons head coach Arthur Smith will have his work cut out for him in 2022.
In the 2021 draft, the Bengals chose Ja’Marr Chase over phenomenal tight end Kyle Pitts with their fifth pick. Now, Pitts will be coming to town looking to show off his talents.
Last year, the Bengals attained defensive back Tre Flowers to deal with talented tight ends such as Pitts. Will Flowers be enough to contain Pitts or will we see rookie Daxton Hill up for the challenge?
Bengal fans may see some familiar faces when the Falcons are here. If Ridder should get a chance to quarterback, it could be a pretty exciting game knowing how popular he is in Cincinnati. Former Bengal Auden Tate, a reliable rotational receiver while here, may play a more significant role in Atlanta.
Mariota should lean heavily on his receivers, rookie Drake London, free agent Bryan Edwards, and running back Cordarrelle Patterson in this game. However, this will not be enough to defeat a young but experience Bengals defense looking to win at home.