Desmond Ridder Done In Atlanta?
12 months agoAtlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is being benched for Taylor Heinicke for the second time this year, likely signaling an end for him as the starter long-term in Atlanta. Dating back to 2022, Ridder has started 16 games, going 8-8 while completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 3,236 yards, 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He's under contract for the next two seasons and should make for a solid option in a backup role if that's a role he's willing to take Given the state of the team at 6-8 right now, it's hard to imagine head coach Arthur Smith will give Ridder a third chance at the starting gig. However, it's also doubtful the Falcons are looking at Heinicke as the long-term answer under center. He's 12-14-1 as an NFL starter and has been marginally better than Ridder in his two starts this year.
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall and Jeff Schultz
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall and Jeff Schultz