QB corner: Pittsburgh’s defense impresses Falcons’ Marcus Mariota

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) pauses before answering questions during a news conference at the end of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Landover, Md. Washington won 13-19. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Credit: Patrick Semansky

Credit: Patrick Semansky

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) pauses before answering questions during a news conference at the end of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Landover, Md. Washington won 13-19. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Here’s what Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota had to say about the Steelers, the Falcons’ opponent at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

On Pittsburgh’s defense: “Well, first and foremost, (it) starts off with Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt. And then you look in the back end, Minkah Fitzpatrick is playing at a high level. Week in and week out, we talked about, it’s always gonna be a challenge. But this will be fun.”

On his approach after the snap during games: “I’m pretty, pretty zoned. I don’t really hear things. I just kind of play, and I’m very, very big on trusting my instincts and kind of feeling the game. I don’t really like to think out there because more times than not, when I’m thinking, it’s not going to be good.”

On the season: “It’s just the consistency I think has hurt us. And is has really cost us a few of these games. And with that being said, I do believe it’s building a foundation, not only for this season, but for the future, and guys should believe in that and trust.”

For more content about the Atlanta Falcons

On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now

On Instagram at DorlandoLed

Atlanta Falcons coverage on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution