Falcons Ex Marcus Mariota Struggling with Eagles?

Marcus Mariota is set to be the Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback after spending 2022 as the Atlanta Falcons starter.

The Philadelphia Eagles played to an 18-18 preseason draw with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field, with the starting offense, composed of the second team, ineffective.

And who was in charge? Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota played the entire first half, and played poorly finishing 9-of-17 for 85 yards, with an interception, a 42.5 passer rating and hearing his first boos in his first game as an Eagle.

Overall the offense generated just 102 total yards with Mariota, with three false starts, three sacks allowed, and a Trey Sermon fumble.

"Tonight, yeah obviously not up to his standard, but it’s about us finding what works for him," coach Nick Sirianni said of Mariota. "And that’s just us learning him. That’s us working together to figure that out."

Rookie Tanner McKee entered in the second half, and McKee finished 10-of-18 for 147 yards and a 22-yard touchdown throw and an ensuing two-point conversion that tied the game. So, is there a QB controversy involving Mariota, who was in Atlanta last year but signed with Philly with the idea of being Jalen Hurts' No. 2?

"Marcus is our backup, and pleased with the way Tanner is playing," Sirianni said.

Mariota ultimately wasn't able to grasp the Falcons starting QB job ... but it appears that his experience is giving him the best chance to keep the Eagles backup duties ... for now.

---

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Falcons? Click Here.

Follow Falcon Report on Twitter.

Want even more Atlanta Falcons news? Check out the SI.com team page here.