Who Is the Atlanta Falcons Quarterback? A Local Fan’s Guide
If you live in Atlanta, spend Sundays around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or you’re just visiting and want to understand the hometown team, it’s natural to ask: “Who is the Atlanta Falcons QB right now, and what should I know about him?”
Because NFL rosters change, the specific starting quarterback can vary by season and even week due to performance or injury. As of the most recent season leading up to 2025, the Falcons have been in a period of transition at quarterback, moving on from the Matt Ryan era and evaluating newer options under center.
Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to:
- Who the Falcons quarterback is generally expected to be
- How the QB position has evolved for Atlanta fans
- How to keep up with QB news if you live in or are visiting Atlanta
- Where and how you can experience Falcons football around the city
The Short Answer: How to Know Who the Falcons QB Is Right Now
Because roster and depth chart details change frequently, the most accurate way to know who the current Atlanta Falcons QB is on any given week is to check:
- The official Atlanta Falcons depth chart
- Local Atlanta sports news outlets and pregame coverage
- Game broadcasts and radio call‑ins on Falcons game days
In practice, the “Atlanta Falcons QB” usually refers to:
- The starting quarterback listed for that week’s game, and
- Sometimes the primary backup, especially if there’s a competition or injury situation
If you’re in Atlanta and want the most current, practical information, checking the team’s official channels or local sports coverage on game week will give you the exact name of the starting QB and any updates.
Why the Quarterback Matters So Much in Atlanta
Atlanta is a football city. From Friday nights at high school fields in Metro Atlanta to Saturdays between the hedges or on the Flats, to Sundays at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the quarterback is often at the center of the conversation.
For Falcons fans in Atlanta, the QB matters because:
- He sets the identity of the offense – pass-heavy, balanced, mobile, or pocket‑based
- He’s often the face of the franchise you see in local marketing, billboards, and community events
- He affects game‑day expectations – fans talk about his performance all week on local sports radio and at workplaces, barbershops, and neighborhood bars
If you live in or around Atlanta (Buckhead, Decatur, College Park, or the northern suburbs), knowing who the quarterback is helps you follow conversations, enjoy watch parties, and get more out of attending a game.
A Quick Look Back: Recent Falcons Quarterbacks Atlanta Fans Know Well
Even if the name at QB changes, it helps to know the recent history that shaped expectations in Atlanta:
| Era / Approx. Years | Quarterback (Primary) | Why Atlanta Cares |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2000s–mid 2010s | Matt Ryan | Brought stability, led Atlanta to regular playoff appearances and a Super Bowl trip, heavily associated with the rise of the modern Falcons era. |
| Early 2000s | Michael Vick | Electrifying dual‑threat QB, changed how many Atlanta fans viewed the position and made the Falcons a national talking point. |
| Post-Ryan period | Various veterans & young QBs | Transition era focused on rebuilding and finding the next long-term starter for Atlanta. |
Many Atlantans still compare any new quarterback to Matt Ryan’s consistency or Michael Vick’s explosiveness, so you’ll often hear their names come up in conversations about the current QB.
How the Falcons Choose Their Quarterback
If you’re trying to understand “Who is the Atlanta Falcons QB?” from a process standpoint, it helps to know how the starter is usually decided:
1. Coaching Decisions
The head coach and offensive staff in Flowery Branch (where the team’s facility is located) evaluate:
- Performance in training camp and preseason
- How well the QB runs the offensive system
- Chemistry with receivers, tight ends, and the offensive line
In Atlanta’s QB transition era, coaches often emphasize which player gives the team the best chance to win now, while also factoring in development and long-term potential.
2. Depth Chart and Injuries
The Falcons, like every NFL team, maintain a depth chart:
- QB1 – Expected starter
- QB2 – Primary backup
- QB3 or Practice Squad QB – Developmental or emergency option
If you’re tracking things from Atlanta, you’ll often hear local media discuss whether the team might:
- Stick with the current starter
- Rotate in another QB during the season
- Evaluate younger players later in the year if the record allows
3. Draft Picks and Free Agents
Atlanta’s front office has been working to stabilize the QB position since the end of the Ryan era. This has included:
- Drafting quarterbacks and developing them over time
- Bringing in veteran QBs to compete for the starting job
- Adjusting the roster based on salary cap and future planning
So the answer to “Who is the Atlanta Falcons QB?” is partly tied to where the franchise is in its rebuild or contention window.
How to Keep Up With the Falcons QB Situation in Atlanta
If you’re local (or visiting for a game) and want to stay up to date on who’s starting at quarterback, here are practical ways to do that inside the city:
1. Follow Game Week Coverage
In Atlanta, the QB situation is covered heavily in the days leading up to a game. You can:
- Watch or listen to pre‑game shows on local TV and radio
- Check morning sports segments on Atlanta news stations
- Listen to sports talk radio during your commute on I‑75, I‑85, or the Perimeter
These outlets typically discuss:
- Who’s expected to start at QB
- Any injury updates
- How the matchup looks against the upcoming opponent
2. Visit the Stadium and Team Shop
If you’re near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta:
- You’ll see jersey displays and QB‑themed merchandise that reflect the current face of the offense.
- On game days, the starting quarterback is announced in‑stadium and featured on the big screens.
This is a straightforward way for casual fans or out‑of‑town visitors to learn who the current QB is while soaking in the local atmosphere.
3. Attend Open Practices or Fan Events (When Offered)
During certain times of year, especially around training camp in Flowery Branch, the Falcons sometimes host:
- Open practices
- Fan appreciation days
- Community events in the greater Atlanta area
These events often highlight the current quarterbacks, giving fans a closer look at:
- Their playing style
- How they interact with teammates
- How coaches are using them in drills and scrimmages
What Atlanta Residents Typically Want to Know About Their QB
When Atlantans ask “Who is the Atlanta Falcons QB?”, they usually aren’t just after a name. They want context, such as:
Is He a Pocket Passer or Mobile?
In Atlanta, fans often compare new QBs with:
- Matt Ryan – more traditional pocket passer
- Michael Vick – extremely mobile, highlight‑reel scrambler
So locals tend to ask:
- Does the current QB extend plays with his legs?
- Is he more of a timing and rhythm passer?
This shapes how fans in neighborhoods from Midtown to East Point expect the offense to look.
How Does He Fit With Atlanta’s Offensive Weapons?
People around the city ask how the QB uses:
- Top wide receivers
- Tight ends and running backs in the passing game
- Play‑action and deep shots, especially given Atlanta’s history of dynamic offenses
If you’re at a local sports bar in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or near the Battery, these are the talking points you’ll hear on Sundays.
Is He Considered the “Franchise QB” or a Short‑Term Starter?
Another common question Atlanta fans have is whether the current QB is:
- A long‑term solution the team plans to build around, or
- A bridge quarterback while the team searches for its next star
This affects how hopeful Atlantans feel about:
- Future playoff pushes
- The team’s competitiveness in the NFC South
- How patient fans are on social media and call‑in shows after a tough game
Where to Experience Falcons QB Talk Around Atlanta
If you’re in the city and want to immerse yourself in Falcons quarterback chatter:
Downtown & Midtown bars on game day
- Many show Falcons games with sound and feature QB‑centric discussions before and after plays.
Tailgating areas near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- You’ll hear a lot of strong opinions about how the QB is playing and whether he’s the right fit.
Neighborhood gatherings and watch parties
- In areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown, friends and neighbors often gather to watch and talk through every throw.
Listening in is a good way to pick up how locals feel about the current QB and what they expect going forward.
Key Takeaways for Someone in Atlanta
To directly answer the core question:
- The Atlanta Falcons quarterback is the player listed as the starting QB on the team’s current depth chart, which can change from season to season and sometimes within a season.
- Atlanta has been in a transition phase at quarterback since moving on from longtime starter Matt Ryan, evaluating both veteran and younger options under center.
- If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want to know who the current QB is right now, the most reliable approach is to:
- Check the team’s official game information during the week
- Follow local Atlanta sports coverage and pre‑game analysis
- Pay attention to stadium announcements and broadcasts on game day
By keeping an eye on local media and game‑week chatter, you’ll always know who the Atlanta Falcons QB is and where he fits in the bigger story of football in Atlanta, Georgia.