Who Is the Atlanta Quarterback? A Local Fan’s Guide to the Falcons’ QB Situation

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city during football season, or you’re just trying to follow local sports conversations, it’s natural to ask: “Who is the Atlanta quarterback?”

In Atlanta, that usually means: Who is the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons?

Because NFL rosters change over time, the exact name of the current starter can shift from season to season, and even week to week. Below is a clear guide to how the quarterback role works in Atlanta, how to find out who is starting right now, and how locals typically follow the team.

Understanding the Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Role

The Atlanta Falcons are the city’s NFL team, playing home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta. The quarterback (QB) is the offensive leader and usually the most talked‑about position on the team.

The Falcons typically carry multiple quarterbacks, including:

  • Starting quarterback – the main QB who begins games
  • Backup quarterback(s) – ready to step in if needed
  • Practice squad or developmental QB – sometimes a younger player the team is developing

In everyday conversation, when people in Atlanta say “the Atlanta quarterback”, they almost always mean:

  • The current starting QB for the Atlanta Falcons, or
  • A famous Falcons quarterback from the past (like when people reminisce about earlier eras)

How to Find the Current Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Today

Because rosters and depth charts change, the most reliable way to know who is currently starting at quarterback for Atlanta is to check recent, official, or near-game-day information.

Here are practical ways Atlantans typically find out:

1. Check the Team’s Official Sources

If you’re in Atlanta (or anywhere), the most direct answer usually comes from the Falcons’ official communications, such as:

  • Depth charts
  • Game previews
  • Press conferences with the head coach

These are updated week to week, especially before each game, and will usually specify who is expected to start at quarterback.

2. Follow Local Atlanta Sports Coverage

Local media in Atlanta pays close attention to who is playing quarterback. Many residents rely on:

  • Local TV sports segments that preview upcoming Falcons games
  • Radio sports talk shows that debate the QB situation
  • Pre-game and post-game shows on game days

Around the city, especially during football season, you’ll hear constant discussion about how the quarterback is performing, whether there might be a change, and how that affects the Falcons’ chances.

3. Game Day Announcements at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you’re attending a game in Atlanta, the starting quarterback will usually be announced:

  • On the video boards inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • Over the public address system during team introductions
  • On printed or digital game programs that list the active roster

This is often the most exciting way to find out, especially if you’re seeing a new starter take the field for the first time.

Why the Answer Changes: Trades, Injuries, and Coaching Decisions

If you ask “Who is Atlanta’s quarterback?” during one season and then again the next year, you might get a completely different name. That’s normal in the NFL and especially familiar to Falcons fans.

Some common reasons the answer changes:

  • Offseason signings or trades – Atlanta may bring in a new quarterback from another team or through the draft.
  • Injuries – If the starter is injured, the backup QB may start temporarily or for an extended period.
  • Performance and strategy – Coaches sometimes change starters based on performance, fit with the offensive system, or to develop a younger player.

Because of all that, locals often phrase it as:
“Who’s starting at quarterback for the Falcons this week?” rather than assuming it’s always the same person.

Famous Atlanta Falcons Quarterbacks (Context for Local Fans)

When long‑time Atlantans talk about “the Atlanta quarterback,” they might not be referring to the current player at all, but to memorable QBs from past seasons. Knowing a few of these names can help you follow local conversations:

Role in Falcons HistoryWhy Locals Still Mention Them
Michael VickElectrifying dual‑threat QB in the 2000s; changed how many fans viewed the position in Atlanta.
Matt RyanLong‑time starter, led the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance and set multiple franchise passing records.
Other notable startersOver the years, multiple QBs have had shorter stints but remain part of local sports talk, especially among long‑time fans.

When you hear fans around Atlanta mention “back when Vick was here” or “during the Matt Ryan era,” they’re talking about different eras of Falcons quarterback play, not the current situation.

How Atlantans Usually Talk About the Quarterback

If you’re new to Atlanta or visiting, you might notice:

  • Game‑week chatter: At workplaces, bars, and around neighborhoods, people often discuss how the quarterback played last week and what they expect in the next game.
  • Sports bars and watch parties: On Sundays during the NFL season, places around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, and the Battery often show Falcons games, and the quarterback’s performance is a frequent topic.
  • Social conversations: During fall, asking “What do you think about the Falcons quarterback this year?” is a quick way to start a local sports conversation.

You don’t need deep technical knowledge to follow along. Most dialogue focuses on:

  • Whether the QB is playing well or struggling
  • How the offense looks under that quarterback
  • Whether there might be a change at the position

If You’re Visiting Atlanta and Want to See the Quarterback Play

If you’re in town and want to see Atlanta’s quarterback in person, here’s how locals typically plan:

  • Home games:

    • Played at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium near downtown Atlanta.
    • Look up the current season’s schedule to see when the Falcons are at home.
  • Arrive early:

    • Getting to the stadium ahead of kickoff lets you see quarterback warm‑ups and team introductions.
    • Many fans like to be in their seats when the QB first runs out of the tunnel.
  • Watch for pre-game coverage:

    • Local pre‑game shows often confirm that the expected starting QB is active and playing that day, especially if there were any injury questions during the week.

Quick Summary: How to Answer “Who Is the Atlanta Quarterback?” Today

If someone in or around Atlanta asks this question and you want to give a clear, practical answer:

  1. Clarify the context

    • Most of the time, they mean: Who is the current starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons?
  2. Check up-to-date information

    • Because lineups change regularly, look at current season and current week sources to confirm the name.
  3. Remember the conversation may be about past eras

    • If the talk shifts to “back when,” they might be discussing well‑known former Falcons quarterbacks rather than the present starter.

By keeping those points in mind, you’ll be able to navigate Atlanta sports conversations confidently and understand what people really mean when they talk about “the Atlanta quarterback.”