Who Is the Quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons? A Local Fan’s Guide
If you follow football in Atlanta, Georgia, the question “QB for Atlanta Falcons” is always a hot topic. Quarterback talk comes up at work in Midtown, over wings on the Westside, and in barbershops from College Park to Buckhead.
This guide walks you through:
- Who the current Atlanta Falcons quarterback is (as of the most recent NFL season)
- How the QB situation has evolved in recent years
- What to know if you’re watching the Falcons in person at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- Where in Atlanta you can follow QB news, talk football, and enjoy game day
The Falcons’ Current Quarterback Picture
As an Atlanta fan, the starting QB is usually the first thing you want to know before a season or a big game.
How the Falcons Typically Choose Their QB
In Atlanta, as in most NFL cities, the starting quarterback is decided by:
- Performance in training camp and preseason
- How well the QB fits the offensive system
- Health and durability
- Coaching decisions week to week
Coaches at the Falcons’ facility in Flowery Branch review film, evaluate practice reps, and then name a starter and backups on the official depth chart. This can shift during the season if the starter struggles or is injured.
If you’re planning to attend a game in Atlanta, it’s smart to verify who’s starting at QB the week of the game, especially if you’re excited to see a particular player on the field.
Recent History of Atlanta Falcons Quarterbacks
Understanding the Falcons’ QB situation in Atlanta right now is easier when you see how it has changed over the last several years.
From Franchise Stability to Transition
For more than a decade, Matt Ryan was the face of the franchise. Atlanta got used to having one steady QB leading the team at the Georgia Dome and later at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
In more recent years, the team entered a rebuilding and transition phase, cycling through:
- Established veterans brought in to stabilize the position
- Younger quarterbacks drafted or developed to be possible long‑term answers
- Mid-season adjustments when performance or injuries forced changes
This means that if you’re an Atlanta local who hasn’t watched closely for a season or two, the starting QB can be different from the last time you tuned in.
How to Check Who Is Starting at QB in Atlanta Right Now
Because the depth chart can change, Atlanta fans usually confirm the current starting QB close to game day.
Here’s how people in the city commonly stay updated (all without needing specific apps or paid services):
1. Local Sports Radio in Atlanta
Many fans rely on Atlanta sports talk radio for daily quarterback updates, injury discussions, and analysis. Around metro Atlanta, sports stations regularly break down:
- Who’s starting at quarterback this week
- How the QB looked in the last game
- How the coaching staff is talking about the position
You’ll often hear QB talk driving down I‑75/85 through Downtown, or while stuck on 285 heading toward Sandy Springs or Decatur.
2. Local TV Sports Segments
Atlanta TV stations typically cover Falcons QB news in their sports segments, especially:
- Weeknight evening newscasts
- Friday “game preview” segments
- Sunday night post‑game breakdowns
If you’re staying in a hotel in Downtown, Buckhead, or near the airport, flipping to the local channels the night before a game usually gives you a quick summary of who’s under center and what to watch for.
3. In‑Stadium Announcements and Programs
If you’re going to a Falcons home game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313), the starting quarterback is usually clear long before kickoff, but once you’re inside, you can confirm by:
- Looking at the game program or roster cards available near entrances
- Checking video boards that show starters during pregame introductions
- Listening for PA announcements when the offense is introduced
This is especially useful if you brought kids or out‑of‑town guests who want to know exactly who they’re watching on the field.
What the QB Means for Your Game Day in Atlanta
The quarterback situation doesn’t just matter for stats—it affects how you experience game day in the city.
Style of Play You’ll See
Depending on who is starting at QB, the Falcons’ offense may lean more toward:
- Pass-heavy, downfield throws – more big-play shots, deep routes, exciting highlights for fans
- Balanced or run-focused – more handoffs and short passes, which can affect pace and feel of the game
- Mobile QB offense – more rollouts, designed runs, and scrambles, which are fun to watch live from the stands
If you’re watching from the 200 or 300 level at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, a mobile QB can be especially entertaining because you can see the whole field and the way plays develop.
Fan Conversations Around Atlanta
In Atlanta, QB talk is part of local culture. You’ll hear it:
- At sports bars in Buckhead, Downtown, the Battery, and the Westside
- In line at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport if it’s a football weekend
- At tailgates outside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium along Northside Dr NW and nearby lots
Knowing who the current QB is, how they’re playing, and where they fit in recent Falcons history makes it easier to join those conversations and understand the mood in the city—optimistic, frustrated, or cautiously hopeful.
Watching the Falcons QB Live at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
If you’re in Atlanta and want to see the Falcons quarterback in person, here’s what to know.
Key Details for Visiting the Stadium
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
What to keep in mind:
- 🕒 Arrive early: Getting there 60–90 minutes before kickoff lets you watch QB warm‑ups and pregame routines.
- 🎟️ Check your ticket location:
- Lower level sideline seats give the best close-up of QB mechanics.
- Upper levels offer a better “all‑22” style view of the field, great for seeing how the QB reads the defense.
- 👜 Bag policy: The stadium uses a clear bag policy; planning ahead avoids missing QB introductions while stuck in security lines.
Tailgating and Pre‑Game Atmosphere
Before Falcons home games, areas around the stadium turn into a football zone:
- Fans wear the starting QB’s jersey, especially around the Home Depot Backyard and nearby lots.
- Pre‑game discussions often center on whether the quarterback can handle the upcoming opponent, how they played the week before, and what the offense needs to do.
If you’re new to Atlanta, striking up a QB conversation at a tailgate is one of the easiest ways to connect with local fans.
Where Atlanta Fans Talk Quarterbacks Around Town
Beyond game day, quarterback debates in Atlanta happen all week long.
Common Local Spots for QB Talk
You’ll often hear Falcons QB discussion at:
- Sports bars across Midtown, Buckhead, and the Westside
- Restaurants and bars near Peachtree Street, especially on Thursday nights and Sundays
- Gathering areas around The Battery Atlanta on football weekends, even though it’s a baseball-focused area
Many places in the city show Falcons games with sound on, especially for big divisional matchups or playoff pushes, and quarterbacks are usually the center of attention.
Simple Snapshot: How the Falcons QB Situation Affects You in Atlanta
Here’s a quick reference table if you live in or are visiting Atlanta:
| If you’re in Atlanta and you want to… | What to pay attention to about the Falcons QB |
|---|---|
| Attend a game live | Check who’s starting that week; arrive early to watch warm‑ups at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. |
| Talk football with locals | Know the current starter, basic strengths (arm, mobility), and recent game performance. |
| Bring kids or visitors to a game | Learn the QB’s name and jersey number so they can follow the action and cheer. |
| Plan a sports bar outing | Confirm game time and mention you want to watch the Falcons QB—many Atlanta bars prioritize showing the game. |
| Follow from another part of the city | Use local radio, TV, or score apps to track QB changes, injuries, and big performances. |
Practical Tips for Staying Up to Date in Atlanta
To keep track of the QB for the Atlanta Falcons while you’re in the city:
- 🏈 Check close to game day: Depth charts, injuries, and coaching decisions can change the starter late in the week.
- 📰 Use local media: Atlanta-focused sports coverage often explains why QB changes are happening, not just who is starting.
- 🎫 If you’re buying tickets: Look at the schedule and consider games where the QB matchup is especially interesting—divisional rivals tend to bring extra energy to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
- 🗣️ Join the local conversation: Knowing the current QB, a bit of their background, and how they’ve played recently is usually enough to jump into Falcons chatter anywhere in the metro area.
For anyone living in, visiting, or just trying to understand football in Atlanta, Georgia, the quarterback position is the heartbeat of the Falcons—and a big part of how the city experiences NFL Sundays.